PLT1020

Australian politics and government

Nick Economou

6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prohibited combination: 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, and so is designed to be a study of the Australian system that is readily accessible to all students. It is also a subject that seeks to interest students in contemporary political issues and current political debates.

Synopsis The Australian form of government and the politics that is associated with that form reflect a variety of philosophical traditions and comprise a range of complex dynamics. This subject aims to explain both the systems and structures of Australian government (with a particular emphasis upon the critically important institutions such as the national parliament, the Australian constitution, the electoral process, how political parties are organised and how they impact on the political process, and how national policy is made in a federated polity), and some of the key philosophies and theories to be found in the system including liberal-democratic theory, pluralism, and social democracy. The three critically important political concepts of `power', `democracy' and `the state' will also be dealt with.

Assessment Written exercise (500 words): 10%
* Essay (2000 words): 40%
* Tutorial attendance, participation and presentation: 10%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Parkin A and others (eds) Government, politics, power and policy in Australia 5th edn, Longman Cheshire, 1994
Lovell D and others The Australian political system Longman Cheshire, 1995