Undergraduate - UnitATS4001 - The fall of Australian Prime Ministers

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Synopsis

The unit will examine the fall of 3 PMs, Gorton, Hawke and Rudd and the survival of Howard. A key question considered will be how does a PM get ousted not by the electorate, but by their own parliamentary party. Comparisons with leaders in other democratic systems will be considered, and an examination of the concept of power, the nature of PMs' resources and means by which PMs are deposed from within. The materials for the course will include memoirs, academic analyses and contemporary accounts and reporting. The course will include a seminar series during which key players from Australian political life will discuss their understandings and insights into the fall of a PM.

Outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:

1. Gain an insight into the dynamics of power at the centre of the Australian Political system;
2. Be able to draw together material from academic, journalistic, biographic, autobiographic sources in understanding of the fall of Australian Prime Ministers;
3. be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
4. develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
5. communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively;
6. develop cross-cultural understanding.

Assessment

Essay: (3600 words): 40%
Essay (5400 words): 60%

Chief examiner(s)

Petro Georgiou

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

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

Politics

Prohibitions

ATS2903/ATS3903 or by permission