Course Title: Advanced Australian Politics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Australian Politics

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

POLI1019

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012

Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Kim Humphery

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8253

Course Coordinator Email:kim.humphery@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course builds on earlier study to examine in greater depth political parties, social movements and political ideas, and the ways in which they are organised and expressed in Australia. Detailed consideration will be given to the changing character of Australia’s party system and the nature of the challenges to it which are underway. The extent to which “traditional” ideological divisions in Australian politics have been - and are continuing to be – reshaped will be studied.

Divisions within as well as between the parties will be analysed.

There will be critical reflection and discussion of voting trends, the future direction of Australian politics and the role new forms of political organisation might play in shaping that future.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

By the end of this course students will have gained an advanced level of knowledge of, and an advanced degree of confidence to join, debates about the nature and future of Australian politics.


 


Through structured consideration of important aspects of the Australian political system students will gain an advanced level of knowledge about key debates on philosophical change; political party convergence; gaps between ‘elite’ and popular opinion; the pressures of ‘globalisation’; and changing trends in electoral behaviour.


Overview of Learning Activities

There will be weekly one-hour lectures including occasional guest speakers and special presentations; followed by two-hour interactive seminar style discussions following each weekly lecture.


Overview of Learning Resources

Detailed of the prescribed reading will be provided at the start of semester.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment in this course will consist of regular class participation (worth 20%), and one major research essay of 4 000 words (worth 80%) which will be due at the end of semester.  A list of possible Essay Topics will be provided at the start of semester.   A 2 000 word advanced draft of this essay must be submitted by the end of Week 6. This will then be returned to you with detailed feedback and suggestions for its further development.  There will be regular opportunities to discuss the development of your research essay.