This course is about power and its disguises. It deals with questions of politics and material interests, and identifies economic power as fundamental to understanding politics in Australia and globally. We look at

• the social forces and arrangements, notably class structures, that dominate our lives
• neoliberal, social democratic and Marxist ideas that justify or explain political action and policies
• institutions, conflicts and struggles that shape these actions and policies in Australia and internationally

Issues we examine include inequality, racism, economic crisis and war.

No background in political science or political economy is assumed. We debate and explore current Australian and international issues as they arise in the media. The overall framework of the course is Marxist.

Develop participants' individual and collective critical and analytical skills for understanding, discussing, researching, writing and debating about Australian and international political economy.

Book review (25-35%), essay (45-55%) and role play (20-30%).

Two lectures, one discussion period and one tutorial per week.

Kuhn, R (ed.), Class and struggle in Australia, Pearson, 2005.