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 important controversies in Australian political history, as well as contemporary issues such as women and gender in politics, the representation of marginalised groups 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.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligently and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A short essay of 500 words, worth 15%, due early in the semester; a research essay of 1500 words, worth 45%, due mid-semester; and a 2-hour exam, worth 40%, during the examination period.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookstore.

• Andrew Parkin et al., Government, Politics, Power and Policy in Australia. Longman 2006, 8th edition.