UNSW Handbook Course - Power and Democracy in Australia

Power and Democracy in Australia - POLS1002


	Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
	School: School of Politics and International Relations
	Contact: Rolfe,Mark John
	Campus: Kensington Campus
	Career: Undergraduate
	Units of Credit: 6
	EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
	Contact Hours per Week: 3
	Session Offered: See Class Timetable
	Fee Band: 1 (more info)

Description

Explores Australian democracy starting with the basic premise that the notion of democracy is complex and sometimes contradictory. Democracy is heralded in Australia and across the world as an inherent good because it is rule 'of the people, by the people, for the people'. Yet there is no simple formula to apply that will ensure democracy is a success. In Australia, democracy involves voting by all citizens to ensure the people's will reigns. But there is no such clear idea as this. Furthermore, the nature of representative democracy and political parties complicates the outcome. Different, contending groups of institutions within society can appeal to different aspects of the concept of democracy in order to justify their actions. Explores the concepts of democracy, representation, government and opposition, parties, pluralism and interest groups, the state, the High Court and the Constitution, and the electoral system.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course students should have developed:

a basic understanding of the Australian political system
disciplined research and writing techniques, including the use of bibliographical materials, analysis and synthesis
the ability to produce condensed, relevant notes through tutorial papers
the ability to produce concise, coherent arguments in tutorial discussion
the ability to write coherently and analytically during the end-of-term examination

Assessment

Essay - 40%
Examinations - 40%
Tutorial assignments - 20%

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