PLT1531

Introduction to Australian politics

Dennis Woodward

6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield
* Prohibited combination: PLT1020

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have an understanding of Australia's key political and governmental institutions and their interrelations, an awareness of the theories about the nature of liberal democracy, power and the state in its context of Australian politics, and an ability to examine current political events within a framework informed by an understanding of the major themes and processes of contemporary politics.

Synopsis The subject is designed as an introductory unit in politics. It concentrates on the Australian political system. Some of the main topics to be discussed are the nature of liberal democracy, the key concepts of politics, constitution and parliament, party and electoral systems, political socialisation and behaviour. A theme of the subject will be `who rules Australia and how?'

Assessment Written assignment (500 words): 10%
* Essay (2000 words): 40%
* Tutorial participation: 10%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

Woodward D and others (eds) Government, politics, power and policy in Australia 6th edn, Addison-Wesley Longman, 1997