Australian politics and society
Nick Economou and Paul James
6 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Peninsula
*
Prohibited combination: PLT1020 and PLT1531
Objectives This subject is an introductory study, so the overall aim is to show students how politics might be thought of in a conceptual or theoretical way whilst simultaneously teaching students about the form and nature of Australia's governmental structures. It assumes that students have no prior knowledge of the Australian system or prior dealings with political concepts.
Synopsis This subject introduces students to thinking about the institutions that make up the Australian political process, and some of the key political and social issues that are debated within the community. Thus the subject is divided into two parts, looking firstly at key institutions such as the Australian constitution, the electoral process, the role of the parliament, and the role of the political parties. The second half of the subject investigates the role of the media in the political process, the debates surrounding policy issues such as multiculturalism and immigration, the question of the state's relationship to the economy, and the debate about whether or not Australia should become a republic.
Assessment Class exercise (500 words): 10%
* Essay (2000 words): 40%
* Tutorial attendance, participation and presentation: 10%
*
Examination (2 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
Lovell D and others The Australian political system Longman Cheshire, 1995
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