Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit will focus on the roles and contributions of political values, institutions and practices in Australia in establishing and maintaining a range of political, social and economic rights. Students will examine the role of government, the relationship between executive, legislative and judicial branches as well as their impacts on society. Students will become familiar with key political actors and their roles in shaping government policies and the legislative context. Students will examine the nature and roles of key actors, the importance of political values and the policy framework, including the importance of liberal democratic institutions in the Australian federal system.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Use and integrate appropriate theoretical and methodological tools in analysing the nature, functions and significance of Australia's political institutions, actors and government;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental political values and key political institutions that operate as the framework for the formulation and implementation of Australian public and social policy;
3. Identify and explain rights and justice issues as sites of political debate in Australia; 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics, processes and outcomes of formulating, implementing and evaluating public and social policy decisions;
4. Critically examine the key sites of rights and justice protections in Australia's federal political system;
5. Identify key phases in the evolution of rights and justice in Australia.

Assessment

Written work: 60%
2 hour exam: 40%
3rd level students are required to demonstrate greater levels of theoretical reflection and analysis in their written work than students studying at 2nd level.

Chief examiner(s)

Beth Edmondson

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

History-politics
Australian studies

Prerequisites

ATS1312 and ATS1898 or HPL1504, or equivalent

Prohibitions

ATS2568, GSC2504, GSC2508, GSC2510, GSC3510, HPL2510, HPL3510