PLM5370

Citizenship and Democracy in Australian Politics ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Jennifer Curtin

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: As for PLM4370. Students taking PLM5370 will devise their own research question (in consultation with the lecturer). In researching the essay they will engage in substantive research using both primary and secondary materials and show an awareness of relevant conceptual frameworks.

Objectives: Upon completing this subject students should be able to: 1.Understand, identify and critically evaluate different debates about citizenship and democracy as expressed through scholarly, political and popular discourse. 2.Develop a critical awareness of how race, gender, class, age and culture have had an impact on the formation and contemporary understandings of citizenship and democracy in Australia. 3.Appreciate the importance of how factors such as belonging, exclusion, and representation impact on interpretations of liberal democratic practice in Australia. 4.Demonstrate an understanding of the complex relationship between the global, national and local political contexts that frame particular citizenship claims within the Australian polity. 5.Develop skills to read various forms of text critically (scholarly literature, internet sources, parliamentary debates) and incorporate them in their assessed work. 6.Continue the development of critical skills and an ability to communicate effectively. Specifically to: develop a topic for investigation; familiarise themselves with a wide range of sources; recognise and be able to present a logically ordered argument.

Assessment: One 5,000 word essay: 50% + Seminar presentation and participation (equivalent of 1,000 words): 10% + Three hour examination (equivalent of 3,000 words): 40%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prohibitions: PLT4379, PLM4370