PLT1020

Australian politics and government

(ART)

Jennifer Curtin and Dennis Woodward

6 points + 3 hours per week + First semester + Clayton, Caulfield

Synopsis: Systems and structures of Australian government, especially the national parliament, the Australian constitution, the electoral process, how political parties are organised and how they impact on the political process, and how national policy is made in a federated polity. Key philosophies and theories including liberal-democratic theory, pluralism, and social democracy. The three critically important political concepts of 'power', 'democracy' and 'the state' will also be dealt with.

Assessment: Written exercise (500 words): 10% + Essay (2000 words): 40% + Tutorial attendance, participation and presentation: 10% + Examination (2 hours): 40%