PLT2521

Parties and Power in Australia (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: James Walter

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)
Caulfield First semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: This is an advanced unit in Australian Politics which concentrates on the political party system. It involves an examination of (i) the emergence of the Australian party system; (ii) the organisation and ideologies of the parties; (iii) the role of parties within parties; (iv) the nature of competition among the parties; (v) the relationship between political parties and social movements; and (vi) the relationship between the party system and the electoral system. A theme of the subject will be the way the parties exercise political power in Australia.

Assessment: Essay (2000 words): 40% + Tutorial presentation 10% + Examination (2 hours): 50%

Contact Hours: 3 hours (2 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Politics or permission

Prohibitions: PLT3521