Politics Descriptions
Errata
| item | Errata | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. |
The following units are now offered as Selective units of study: GOVT2120 New Zealand and Pacific Politics GOVT2552 Policy Analysis |
22/1/2019 |
| 2. |
The following unit is no longer available in 2019: GOVT3644 Political Campaigning |
25/1/2019 |
| 3. |
The following unit is no longer available in 2019: GOVT3643 Emotions and Public Policy |
31/1/2019 |
| 4. |
The following unit is not available in 2019; GOVT3984 Policy and Politics of Governing Cities |
13/2/2019 |
Politics
Major
A major in Politics requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of compulsory 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of compulsory 2000-level core units
(iii) 18 credit points of selective 3000-level units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units
* Selective units can replace core units already completed in another major
Minor
A minor in Politics requires 36 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 12 credit points of 3000-level units
1000 level units of study
Core
GOVT1641 Introduction to Politics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week. Assessment: 1x 1000wd Research Exercise (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), Participation (10%), 1x 1.5hr Examination (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
What is politics? What is political science? How can we compare political systems? This unit introduces key political institutions, organisations, processes, activities and ideologies and how these differ between countries. It explains different approaches to political science, using examples from a range of countries, including Australia.
GOVT1621 Introduction to International Relations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week. Assessment: 1x 1000wd Essay (20%), 1x 1500wd Essay (30%), 1x 2hr (2000 wd equivalent) Exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with a foundational understanding in two key areas of international relations. First students will gain an understanding of the history of the international political and economic system, and the forces, events, and processes that have shaped the contemporary international system. Second, students will be introduced to the main theories of international relations and explore how these help explain the forces that shape international relations.
Selective
GOVT1661 Politics and Popular Culture
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture/week, 1x 1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 4x 250wd Online and in-lecture quizzes (25%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1.5hr Exam (35%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
We can understand contemporary debates in politics and international relation via studying popular culture. The unit is based on three core concepts: power, identity and conflict. After introducing major theories and definitions the unit will apply them in multifaceted ways to popular culture: from House of Cards to Borgen, and from Eurovision to Game of Thrones.
2000 level units of study
Core
GOVT2991 Political Analysis
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in GOVT and a minimum of 36 credit points Prohibitions: GOVT2091 Assessment: 4x375wd tutorial exercises (30%), 1x2000wd essay (35%), 1x1hr exam (25%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the diversity of theoretical and methodological approaches used by politics and international relations scholars. 'What is politics?' and 'how can we understand it?' are questions used to explore conceptual approaches, ranging from behaviouralism to feminism, and the way in which social science research is designed and conducted.
GOVT2941 Making Policy in Political Context
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in GOVT and a minimum of 36 credit points Assessment: 1x 1500wd Review Paper (25%), 1x 1000wd Research Essay Proposal (15%), 1x 2000wd Research Essay (50%), x Tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Public policy is about what governments do or choose not to do. This unit explores how public policy is formulated, implemented and evaluated, and what governance processes are typically followed. It also covers circumstances under which governments may choose to abstain from taking policy action. This unit examines a range of approaches to the study of public policy in both theory and practice and in the context of national and international politics, with both an Australian and comparative focus.
Selective
GOVT2111 Human Rights and Australian Politics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations or Socio-legal studies Prohibitions: GOVT2101 Assessment: 1x2500wd briefing paper (30%), 1x2hr exam (50%), Tutorial participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the notion of human rights, outlines international human rights enforcement mechanisms and the application of human rights standards in Australia. Throughout the unit we consider the evolution of human rights in Australia and raise questions about the adequacy of Australia's existing human rights machinery, and examine the reasons for Australia's reluctance to adopt a Bill of Rights. We examine government policies toward the indigenous Australians, women and refugees. We also consider current legislative changes to combat terrorism and consider the implications of these changes on Australian's civil rights.
GOVT2112 Modern Political Thought
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or International Relations or 12 credit points in Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Philosophy or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1500wd Mid-semester Take-home exercise (30%), 1x2500wd final Essay (60%) and Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit considers key themes in modern and contemporary political thought. It uses primary texts to address topics such as sovereignty, democracy, fascism, liberalism, human rights, politics and religion, violence, and political identity. Authors may include Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Kant, Nietzsche, Marx, J.S. Mill, Tocqueville, Rawls, Arendt, Schmitt, and Foucault.
GOVT2117 Comparative Politics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT1107 Assessment: 2x 1500wd Short Essay (50%), 1x 1.5hr Final Exam (40%), 1x Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit deepens students' understanding of major concepts and theories of comparative politics. Drawing on examples from various world regions and employing a variety of theoretical perspectives, this unit examines big issues such as democratisation, development, electoral systems, and ethnic conflict. Students will learn about key political science concepts such as the state, regimes, institutional design, and civil society, and will develop basic skills in comparative analysis.
GOVT2119 Southeast Asia: Dilemmas of Development
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Asian Studies Prohibitions: GOVT2109 Assessment: 1x1400wd Essay (30%), 2x 1hr Exam (40%), 1xTutorial presentation equivalent to 900wd (20%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Until the 1997 East Asian economic/financial crisis, Southeast Asia was acclaimed as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regional economies in the Asia-Pacific sphere. Not surprisingly, the region has attracted enormous interest from social scientists and the wider business community in Australia. However, there is limited consensus about the causes for the region's economic performance and socio-political trajectory during the 'boom' and 'post-boom' years. This unit aims to place the region's economic experiences and socio-political changes within a broader historical and comparative context. Such an approach allows us to better appreciate the economic continuities, understand the major socio-political dilemmas and changing patterns of development.
GOVT2228 Environmental Politics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2208 Assessment: 1x1000wd Short Essay (20%), 1x2000wd Major Essay (40%), 1x1.5hr Examination (30%), 1xTutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Environmental issues pose increasingly difficult challenges to our societies. What is the nature of these challenges? Where have they come from? How have political institutions adapted to them, at the national and international levels? What further changes might be necessary to better meet them? How might these changes come about? What effects might they have on the future of politics? This unit of study will engage these kinds of questions as an introduction to some theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics.
GOVT2331 Social Change and Politics
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points in Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2301 Assessment: 1x1500wd campaign case analysis (30%), 1x1500wd team campaign design project (30%), 1.5hr exam (30%), Tutorial and online participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines how processes of social change are shaped by a variety of non-institutionalised political actors, including individuals, interest groups and social movements. It will answer questions such as: What is political participation? How and why do people act politically in Australia? How does participation both shape policy agendas and lead to societal change? The main conceptual topics include: political participation, political socialisation, civil society, interest groups and social movements. This conceptual framework will be used to examine the strategic repertoires adopted by movements and groups in society, including: young people, environmental movements, identity movements, the labour movement, anti-corporate globalisation action and community-based politics.
GOVT2603 Media Politics and Political Communication
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations Assessment: 2000wd essays (2x45%) and in-class quiz (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is primarily about news, its production, contents and impacts. It will examine the special demands of different news organisations and of reporting different news areas; the news media as an arena in political conflicts and the consequent interests and strategies of various groups in affecting news content; and the impacts of news on political processes and relationships. Our primary focus is on Australia, but there is some comparison with other affluent liberal democracies. The substantive areas the unit will focus on include election reporting, scandals and the reporting of war and terrorism.
PHIL2634 Democratic Theory
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: John Grumley Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (12 Junior credit points in Philosophy) or (6 Junior credit points in Philosophy and ANHS1600) Prohibitions: PHIL2514 or PHIL3514 Assessment: presentation (10%), 1x2000wd Essay (45%) and 1x2000wd Take-home exam (45%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A unit in normative political philosophy. The unit will examine ideas of democracy, as well as historical foundations of these ideas, and it will do so in order to address key issues in contemporary democratic theory, such as the tension between republican and liberal ideas, the relationship between justice and democracy, the challenges of social and cultural pluralism, the limits of democratic inclusion, and, importantly, the nature of political legitimacy and the challenge of a suitably inclusive justification of political principles.
3000 level units of study
Selective
GOVT3643 Emotions and Public Policy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Prohibitions: GOVT2015 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
GOVT3644 Political Campaigning
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
GOVT3661 Politics of the Pacific region
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
GOVT3901 Digital Politics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Government and International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 4x700wd blog (60%), 1x1.5hr final exam (30%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This course will examine how advancement in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can lead to social and political change, particularly in developing nations. Can the Internet make societies more democratic? Does ICT empower the people or enable state surveillance? We will compare and contrast how ICT expansion affects different types of political regimes. Case studies of global and local movements will be analyzed.
GOVT3980 Democracy and Dictatorship
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 2x1500wd analytical essay (60%), 1x1.5 hr final exam (30%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The end of the Cold War marks the victory of democracy as the 'best' political system in the world. Yet many existing democracies today are fledgling and of poor quality and are at risk of breaking down. This unit will examine advanced theoretical and empirical debates about the origin, development and collapse of democracies since the 20th century. It also focuses in-depth on understanding why some authoritarian regimes remain resilient despite an ongoing global trend towards democratization.
GOVT3984 Policy and Politics of Governing Cities
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1 hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Government and International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1000wd issue paper (25%), 1x2500wd options paper (40%), 1x1hr exam (25%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Over half the world's population is urban. Economic and social change depends on the vitality, inclusiveness and resilience of cities, which form the locus for public policymaking and politics. This unit focuses on the policy and politics of governing cities, which require mediation between multiple and competing interests and needs. Themes include citizen participation, equity, and innovation; contending theories about power relations between the actors, institutions and interests of urban politics; and how these relate to the strategies adopted.
GOVT3987 Comparative Public Sector Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points in Politics or 12 credit points in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2557 Assessment: 1x2250wd Research essay (50%), 1.5hr exam (35%), 750wd equivalent group presentation and peer review (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit explores how the public sector sets policy and delivers public services. It begins by using the main concepts and theories of public management and governance to assess the various trade offs that are involved in designing and implementing different types of public sector reform. These theories are then applied to evaluate specific reform initiatives and compare reform patterns between different countries and across different policy sectors. Topics include: public administration, privatisation, performance management, partnership working and community engagement.
GOVT3989 Divided Societies
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2412 or GOVT2442 Assessment: 1x2500wd Research essay (50%), 1x2hr exam (40%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit critically examines the role that ethnic conflict plays in national and international politics. Students will have advanced knowledge of nationalism, and close familiarity with current thinking around the role of the ethnic nationalism in particular. This unit will analyse the most influential theories, historical and contemporary, about the role of ethnic nationalism (as opposed to civic nationalism), regionally and internationally. We will consider a range of competing theoretical approaches, concentrating on the theory of a "divided society".
GOVT3990 Islam and Democracy in the Muslim World
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2774 Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x1hr exam (30%), 1x1000wd equivalent group Oral Presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines why there is no clear consensus on the status of Islam and sharia (Islamic law) within the state, constitution and political system. It will also consider whether the secular democratic state is consistent with Islamic principles such as adil (justice) and maslaha (common good). The unit highlights the linkages between historical, political and cultural Islam and the emergence of discourses which provide a contextual understanding of the faith.
GOVT3993 Power
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Rodney Smith Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture-seminar/week, 1x1hr lecture-seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT3991 Assessment: 1x1000wd Essay (2x15%), 2500wd Essay (50%), Seminar and online participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Power is the essential concept of political science, which is the systematic study of politics. Bertrand Russell, perhaps the greatest mind of the 20th Century, said power is the central concept of all the social sciences. Students explore this concept in different parts of political science and survey some debates on power, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of concepts of power. There are three themes in this unit. The first is the distribution of power in society. The second is power in comparative politics and the third is power in international relations. The emphasis is on the nature, sources and use of power.
GOVT3995 Politics and Environment: Current Issues
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2615 Assessment: 2x750wd Essay (2x25%) and 2500wd Research essay (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The focus of environmental politics often shifts, and this unit will examine key contemporary issues in the field - from the more longstanding to emergent issues just gaining political urgency. The unit will focus on key issues in depth; this may include climate change, environmental justice, food politics, sustainable cities, and/or other timely issues in the Australian or global context. Students will be required to do intensive research in a relevant and salient area of interest in environmental politics and policy.
GOVT3997 Parliament and Democracy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1250wd Short Paper (25%), 1x1250wd Draft Inquiry Submission (25%), 1x2000wd Critical Analysis Paper (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Just how important are parliaments to democracy? This unit takes a critical look at how well Australian parliaments carry out their representative, law-making and accountability functions. Analytical material will be complemented by practical insights from members and staff of the NSW Parliament.
GOVT3998 Aboriginal and TSI Politics and Policy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture, 1x1hr tutorial Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Indigenous Studies or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1500wd Case Analysis Essay (30%), 1x800wd Policy Case Presentation (10%), 1x2200wd Final Summative Essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Builds on students' knowledge of Australian politics to examine the background, context, conduct and implications of politics relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and policy affecting indigenous Australians. Explores aspects of inclusion and exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the formal political system; internal power relations within and between communities, social movements and representative bodies; compare Australian indigenous politics with those of other nations, and; look at a range of policy areas.
GOVT3655 Latin American Politics
This unit of study is not available in 2019
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics OR Politics and International Relations stream or 12 senior credit points in Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2013 Assessment: 1x 1500wd Essay 1 (25%), 1x 1500wd Essay 2 (25%), Participation (10%), 1x 1.5hr (1500 wd equivalent) Final Exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit addresses the comparative politics of Latin America. It explores the dynamics of political and economic change in the region during the 20th and 21st centuries, examining topics such as military rule, democratisation, political parties, institutional design, social movements, and strategies for development. Drawing on diverse theoretical perspectives, it considers broad regional patterns and sources of variation among countries.
GOVT3651 Politics of China
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2424 or GOVT2402 Assessment: 1x 1000wd Exam (30%), 1x 2500wd Essay (40%), 1x Tutorial Participation (10%), 1x 500wd Tutorial debate (10%), 3x 500wd In-class quizzes (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the government and politics of modern China. The primary focus will be on ideology, leadership, institutions and political processes of the People's Republic. We explore politics of social groups, major issue areas in Chinese politics, the Cultural Revolution and the politics of reform.
GOVT3643 Emotions and Public Policy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Prohibitions: GOVT2015 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
GOVT3644 Political Campaigning
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
GOVT3653 The Australian Political Party System
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2114 or GOVT2104 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1000wd Website review (20%), 1x 1.5hr (1500 wd equivalent) Examination (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit examines the Australian party system, including colonial-era pre-party politics, the development of major parties (Labor, Liberal and National) and minor parties (Greens, One Nation etc), parties and ideology, parties and social movements, internal party politics, parties and the law, parties and elections, parties and parliamentary politics, and parties and public policy. Emphasis is placed on how theoretical and comparative models of political parties help to explain Australian party politics.
GOVT3671 Australian Foreign and Security Policy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week Prohibitions: GOVT2116 or GOVT2106 Assessment: 1x2500wd Essay (50%), 1x1hr Exam (30%), 1x1000wd Presentation(10%), Participation (10%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines Australia's foreign and security policies since Federation, with a focus on contemporary issues such as defence planning and operations and engagement with the global economy. We explore Canberra's stance on terrorism, nuclear affairs, asylum seekers, and global environmental management.
GOVT3672 American Politics and Foreign Policy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in GOVTor 12 credit points at 2000 level in American Studies Prohibitions: GOVT2405 or GOVT2445 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Research essay (40%), 8x 500wd Reading quizzes (10%), 1x 2hr Final Exam (40%), x Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an overview of the American political system and the formulation of foreign policy. The unit considers how foreign policy is made through the interaction of executive, legislative and judicial branches and with other elements of civil society, with a special emphasis on the post-Cold War period. It seeks to answer: (a) what is the influence of domestic politics on US foreign policy; and (b) how does the US system cope with the apparent contradictions between its ideals and the imperatives of global power?
GOVT3641 Government, Business and Society
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2558 Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), 1x 1000wd Case study (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1.5hr (1500 wd equivalent) Exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Modern corporations have multiple roles and responsibilities. They perform functions for which states were once responsible, and are political and social as well as market actors. This unit provides students with theoretical and methodological approaches to explore how political agendas are set as well as influenced by corporate decision-making, and an advanced understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities and impacts of business.
GOVT3654 Capitalism and Democracy in East Asia
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2611 or GOVT2411 Assessment: 1x 2500wd Essay (40%), 3x 500wd equivalent In-class quizzes (10%), 1x 1000wd Examination (30%), 1x 500wd equivalent Tutorial debate (10%), x Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will shed light on the springs of change in politics and economics and their intersections in East Asia, which includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The unit examines the political and economic transformation in the region. Among the major issues considered are: Are East Asia's political institutions distinctive? How does economic change affect political power and the state? Will democratisation and globalisation undermine the distinctive traditions of the region?
GOVT3652 Environmental Politics in Australia
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2614 Assessment: 1x 500wd Topical Literature Survey (10%), 1x 750wd Mid-term Take-home Exam (15%), 1x 750wd End-of-term Take-home Exam (15%), 1x 2500wd Research Paper (50%), 1x Tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit offers an advanced examination of environmental politics in Australia. It will provide a survey of the various issues, stakeholders and movements at the forefront of key environmental debates, including analysis of the theory and discourses of the environment, and an examination of policy implementation.
GOVT3664 Key Concepts in Political Thought
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2616 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Major Essay (40%), 1x 750wd Learning Diary (10%), 1x 2hr Final Exam (40%), 1x Tutorial Partcipation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
What enables us as political animals to live together in political communities? This unit examines key concepts underpinning our contemporary political life handed down to us through centuries of political thought; from the Athenian city-state to contemporary reflections on identity. Some of the concepts and problematiques explored may include: the state; sovereignty; the political; liberty; property; the citizen vs. the subject, reasons vs. the passions.
Interdisciplinary Project unit of study
GOVT3898 Industry and Community Project
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive February,Intensive January,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Interdisciplinary Impact in any major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed for third year students to undertake a project that allows them to work with one of the University's industry and community partners. Students will work in teams on a real-world problem provided by the partner. This experience will allow students to apply their academic skills and disciplinary knowledge to a real-world issue in an authentic and meaningful way.
GOVT3900 Interdisciplinary Impact
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics Prohibitions: Interdisciplinary Impact in another major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Interdisciplinarity is a key skill in fostering agility in life and work. This unit provides learning experiences that build students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the application of their disciplinary background to interdisciplinary contexts. In this unit, students will work in teams and develop interdisciplinarity skills through problem-based learning projects responding to 'real world problems'.
Honours
Honours in Politics requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 4000-level core seminar units
(ii) 36 credit points of 4000-level core thesis units
Honours core seminar units of study
GOVT4111 Research Methods and Research Design
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 1500 Essay One (20%), 1x 1500 Essay Two (20%), 1x 3000 Thesis Prospectus (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the diverse theoretical and methodological approaches used by political researchers, including, for example, institutional, behavioural, discourse and feminist approaches to political inquiry, and the use of quantitative and qualitative methods. The unit develops the student's ability to meet the demands of an independent project like an Honours thesis. It will cover selecting and refining a topic, identifying research to be undertaken and planning how to do it, bibliographic searches, and writing a report or thesis.
GOVT4112 Topics in International Relations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 1000 Essay One (20%), 1x 1000 Essay Two (20%), 1x 4000 Research Essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The seminar will provide a discussion-based setting to examine core topics in the field of international relations such as international security, international political economy, and international relations theory. Students will discuss and debate ideas, and develop analytical and research essays on topics pitched at an advanced level.
GOVT4113 Topics in Politics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 1000 Essay One (20%), 1x 1000 Essay Two (20%), 1x 4000 Research Essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The seminar will provide a discussion-based setting to examine core topic areas in the field of politics, including public policy, political theory, and comparative politics, among others. Students will discuss and debate ideas, and develop analytical and research essays on topics pitched at an advanced level.
Honours thesis units of study
GOVT4114 Govt and Int Relations Honours Thesis 1
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 7 x half-hour supervision meetings/semester, on average Mode of delivery: Supervision
This unit is the first semester of a year-long project to complete an Honours thesis. Each student writes an 18-20000 word thesis under the supervision of a full-time member of the Government Department staff. The thesis is expected to make an original contribution to the study of politics and international relations and will count for 60 percent of the student's fourth year grade.
GOVT4115 Govt and Int Relations Honours Thesis 2
Credit points: 24 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 7 x half-hour supervision meetings/semester, on average Assessment: 1x 18000-20000 Thesis (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Each student writes an 18-20000 word thesis under the supervision of a full-time member of the Government Department staff. The thesis is expected to make an original contribution to the study of politics and international relations and will count for 60 percent of the student's fourth year grade.
Advanced coursework
The requirements for advanced coursework in Philosophy are described in the degree resolutions for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies.
24-36 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.