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Prime Ministers & Leadership - POLS3055
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of Social Sciences and International Studies
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.arts.unsw.edu.au/politics/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 12 units of credit at the POLS2000 level
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

A great deal of what is called politics in Australia is identified with political parties and, ultimately, with prime ministers. Popular and media views identify the prosperity of Australia, various events and the achievements of a Federal government with success or failure of the Prime Minister. Hence, there are a great many people who discuss the so-called 'presidentialisation' of Australian politics. But do prime ministers have as much power as is popularly conceived? This course is based on the old political theme of agency versus structure. How much can one individual achieve as prime minister when he/she is dependent on a political party and a cabinet which include powerful allies? How much has the process of socialisation in a party shaped the aspirant? What style of leadership must a prime minister present to the electorate?

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students should be:
  • Aware of the powers and constraints of Prime Ministers
  • Able to demonstrate how pressures on Prime Ministers have shaped public policy.

Assessment

  • Tutorial participation - 10%
  • Essay 1 (3000 words) - 45%
  • Essay 2 (3000 words) - 45%

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