Politics, Philosophy, Economics 4 (PPES4101)

Course overview

This course focuses on an integrated PPE framework for understanding and addressing some of the world's 'wicked problems' taught in seminar mode.

Game Theory is the study of strategic interactions among decision makers (persons, firms, nations, etc.), especially when the actions taken affects others (e.g. environmental externalities). It stands at the intersection of philosophy, politics, and economics. ﾠIn this course, we begin with a unique approach to the study of it, in order to gain insights to a wide range of wicked problems in the world. One emphasis in the class is on understanding the underlying assumptions of game theory and its limitations in order to start analysing and producing wise and ethical policy solutions to some of the most important problems society, and the world, face. Following this, it will be also emphasized that game theory is just a tool to be used critically as an aid to analysis. It does not, despite many misunderstandings, guide people on what they should do; what they should think; or what analysis should be used. The course will emphasize the critical judgements you need to make (as a philosopher/political scientist/economist), when responding to complex wicked problems, which will not come from game theory. There will also be an emphasis on the moral dimensions of the wicked problems, which also cannot be analysed using game theory.

Course requirements

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Minimum 32 units from the BPPE(Hons) list

Restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the BPPE(Hons)

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Students are to attend one 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial each week. Tutorials start in Week 2.ﾠ There are no lectures or tutorials on Tuesday 25 April as it is a public holiday.ﾠ

Aims and outcomes

To develop knowledge of concepts and arguments concerning social choice theory and decision/game theory.

To help students analyse and strategically respond to complex real-life problems by employing insights from game theory combined with ethics.

To understand complex texts concerning the rational decisionsﾠand social choices.

To be able to critically discuss and analyse concepts concerning ﾠrational decisionsﾠand social choices.ﾠ

For students to engage and develop their own views on these ideas in both spoken and written form.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Lecture and Tutorial Participation

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Participation/ Student contribution

Weight

13%

Due date

Week 1 - Week 13

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Research Project

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

72%

Due date

30/05/2025 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Peer Assessment of Feedback

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

4%

Due date

Week 10 - Week 13

The feedback is due within 24 hours of the presentation.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

Emailed to the lecturer

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Presentation

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Presentation

Weight

11%

Due date

Week 10 - Week 13

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Essay Assessment Criteria

Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.  Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)

2.  Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view. (Argument and Structure.)

3.  Depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)

4.  Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)

5.  Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay. (Presentation)

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 85-100%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 75-84%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a good understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 65-74%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect functional achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 50-64%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect minimal evidence of achievement, and exhibit deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and/or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 1-24%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.

Grade X: No assessable work received. 

Lecture and Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria

Your lecture and tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.    Evidence of participation in discussions.

2.    Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.

3.    Quality of contributions to discussions.

4.    Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and     students.

5.    Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

Oral Presentation Assessment Criteria

 Your oral presentation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1.              Content and argument of the topic of the presentation.

2.              Engagement with academic sources and evidence.

3.              Compliance with the stated time limit.

4.              Evidence of preparation including powerpoint if required.

5.              Fluency, ease and persuasiveness of the presentation.

6.              Fostering of discussion and engagement of audience, as per course requirements.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), you will have presented a very fluent and exceptionally well-prepared talk that clarifies and explains your topic with a very clear and effective structure. You will have utilised both supplied and original materials to achieve a highly affective discussion that complies precisely with the stated time limit.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%) you will have presented a fluent and very well-prepared talk that clarifies and explains your topic with a clear and effective structure. You will have utilised supplied and original materials to achieve a very effective discussion that complies with the stated time limit.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), you will have presented a well-prepared, proficient talk that clarifies and explains your topic with an adequate and functional structure. You will have utilised supplied and original materials to achieve an effective discussion within the stated time limit.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%), you will have presented a basic talk that addresses aspects of your topic but with some flaws in approach, structure and/or delivery. There may have been limitations in your use of supporting materials, and/or difficulties in meeting set time constraints.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), you will have presented a talk that has clear potential, but has only superficially addressed aspects of your topic. There will have been several flaws in your approach, structure and/or delivery. There will have been limitations in your use of supporting materials, and/or difficulties in meeting set time constraints.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), you will have presented a talk that was not adequately prepared or presented. Minimal effort will have been put into clarifying your topic, and your approach, structure and/or delivery will have been deficient or flawed. Major deficiencies will also have been present in utilising supporting materials and/or meeting time requirements.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), you will have presented a talk that was not well prepared or presented. You will have not clarified your topic and your talk will have lacked an effective structure. You will not have utilised supporting materials and/or met time requirements.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

• Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
• By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration:‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
• All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
• A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.ﾠWithout evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
• Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
• Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.

For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Any additional sources for this part of the course will be listed in the relevantﾠfolders on Blackboard.

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Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.