Course Title: Power and Governance

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Power and Governance

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

POLI1025

City Campus

Undergraduate

330H Social Science & Planning

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006

POLI1025

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Professor Rob Watts

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8247

Course Coordinator Email: rob.watts@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.04

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course introduces key political theories, concepts and ideas that explain the features of political systems and broader power relations in the modern world. It draws on political science concepts to deepen your knowledge of economic, social, cultural and ecological dimensions of societies to enable you to reflect on your place in the world. 

You will examine some key features of political governance at the local, national and global levels, which is the traditional scope of political science. In addition, this course examines the exercise of power outside formal political systems, including the role of business groups, trade unions, community organisations and social movements. You will examine some key entrenched power imbalances that exist between groups. 

You will focus on academic writing conventions and research skills, and be introduced to foundational political concepts that will underpin your studies throughout the rest of your undergraduate program. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes  

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

BP204 Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies : 

  • PLO1: Apply a body of professional, theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to the socio-legal field and primary dispute resolution processes
  • PLO6: Reflect on and implement ethical practice and social responsibility in diverse international and cross cultural settings. 

 BH105 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) &BP315 Bachelor of Arts (Welfare and Society): 

  • PLO1: Participate robustly in contemporary and changing ideological and political debates impacting on society, in an informed, flexible and grounded manner to evaluate policy and/or engage in policy debates
  • PLO2: Apply a body of interdisciplinary knowledge, values and skills in working with and for society’s most vulnerable and marginalised individuals, families, groups and communities 

 BH106 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology): 

  • PLO1: Apply a body of interdisciplinary knowledge, values and skills in working with and for society’s most vulnerable and marginalised individuals, families, groups and communities 

 BH108 Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) : 

  • PLO5: Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural and social sensitivity, environmental stewardship and ethical and reflective practice.
  • PLO7: Initiate positive contributions to the wider community through professional planning practice, establishing empathy, equity and shared understanding across diverse interest groups. 

 BP000 Bachelor of Environment and Society & BP193ENSDD Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society  

  • PLO1: Apply a body of theoretical and practical knowledge of principles and practice of natural resource policy, sustainability, globalisation and environmental management to professional practice or further study.
  • PLO2: Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on knowledge related to the social implications of environmental concerns and challenges both in Australia and globally. 

BP329 Bachelor of Social Science (Urban Policy): 

  • PLO5: Work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural and social sensitivity, environmental stewardship and ethical and reflective practice
  • PLO7: Initiate positive contributions to the wider community through professional practice, establishing empathy, equity and shared understanding across diverse interest groups 


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Identify and describe some key features of governance at the local, national and global levels 
  2. Analyse the role of various political actors and social groups in relation to a contemporary issue
  3. Critically analyse issues in power and government relevant to your academic discipline
  4. Communicate your analysis by developing a clear argument supported with evidence using appropriate academic writing conventions and skills 


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is delivered through a blend of learning activities, which include interactive workshop activities, role plays, problem solving, guest speakers, presentations, videos, online media and activities and student led discussions. The course may be delivered online in modules.


Overview of Learning Resources

There may be a prescribed text for this course. 

You will be given access to a wide range of resources through the Canvas student portal, myRMIT, and RMIT Library resources. You will have the opportunity to contribute collectively to class resources by sharing your own research findings and sources with your peers. 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Reflection 15%, CLO1-CLO3  

Assessment Task 2: Annotated Bibliography  35%, CLO1-CLO4 

Assessment Task 3: Analysis 50%, CLO1-CLO4 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.