PLT2521

Parties and power in Australia

Brian Costar

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject students are expected to have acquired an understanding of (a) the nature of parties as political institutions; (b) the operation of party government in Australia; (c) the manner in which power is exercised within and among political parties.

Synopsis This is an advanced subject in Australian politics which concentrates on the political party system. It involves an examination of the emergence of the Australian party system; the organisations and ideologies of the parties; the role of parties within a parliamentary system of government; the nature of competition among the parties; the relationship among political parties and social movements; and the relationship between the party system and the electoral system.

Assessment Class test (1 hour): 20%
* Essay (3000 words): 30%
* Tutorial presentation: 20%
* Examination (2 hours): 30%

Prescribed texts

Simms M (ed.) The future of Australia's party system Allen and Unwin, 1996