166-001 Australian Politics: Institutions, Parties and Issues

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Subject Description

An introduction to Australia's political institutions including the Constitution, the High Court, Parliament, Cabinet and the Prime Minister, the bureaucracy and the federal system. We will also examine Australia's major political parties (their history, organisation, ideology and outlook), as well as the role of minor parties, interest groups and social movements. Finally, we will discuss contemporary issues such as republicanism, aboriginal rights and native title, a Bill of Rights, the judicialisation of politics, women and gender in politics, the environment, and the impact of globalisation on Australia's political institutions and political culture. Students who complete this subject should: have a solid understanding of Australia's political institutions, including the Constitution and the High Court, the Parliament, Cabinet and role of the Prime Minister, the bureaucracy and the Australian federal system; be able to analyse critically competing theories and interpretations of Australia's political system; be aware of the history, ideologies and contemporary outlook of the major political parties; be conversant with contemporary political issues which challenge the existing institutions and political order; further develop skills in oral and written presentations; have developed a solid background for further studies in Politics.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words.

Prescribed Texts

A subject reader will be available.