Australian politics
BT BW BB BS BV DT AW AA GA PA BC BP BDT BJ BY
Elizabeth Russell
Subject value of 1.0 (6 points) * 3 hours per week * Second semester * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisites: GSC1501 or permission
This subject gives students a basic grounding in analysing and understanding the politics of a liberal-democratic state - in this particular instance, the Australian liberal-democratic state. The subject revolves around the exploration of four core concepts in politics - democracy, `the state,' ideology and power. From each of these core concepts we obtain analytical insights into crucial aspects of Australia's political institutions - representation and elections, federalism and the notion of a Westminster system of parliamentary government, the public service, and the role of interest groups. The subject also explores a range of concepts and theories relating to the location and exercise of power within the liberal democratic state.
Assessment
Assignment (1000 words): 20% * Research essay (1500 words): 40% * Examination (2 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
Emy H V and Hughes O E Australian politics: Realities in conflict 2nd edn, Macmillan, 1991
Smith R (ed.) Politics in Australia 2nd edn, Allen and Unwin, 1985
Summers J and others (eds) Government, politics, power and policy in Australia 5th edn, Longman Cheshire, 1994