PLT2870

Power and democracy in Australia

(ART)

Jennifer Curtin

6 points + 3 hours per week + Second semester + Caulfield + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Politics or permission + Prohibition: PLT3870

Synopsis: The unit examines the location of power centres within Australian government, the social bases of political power and the relationship between power and democracy. It considers how one defines power and maps its exercise using the pluralist, elitist, class and structural models of power. It asks 'who governs Australia?' and explains why different models produce different answers.

Assessment: Essay (2500 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 50%