166-101 Australian Politics

Formerly available as 166-001. Students who have completed 166-001 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject is 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 examine Australia's major political parties as well as the role of minor parties, interest groups and social movements. We will also discuss contemporary issues such as women and gender in politics, pollsters, the internet 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 and be able to analyse critically competing theories and interpretations of Australia's political system. Students should develop an awareness of contemporary political issues which challenge the existing institutions and political order.

Written work totalling 2000 words and a 2-hour examination.

A subject reader will be available.