POLI1003 An Introduction to Democracy and Government

Associate Professor Rob Manwaring

2019

4.5

2 x 1-hour lectures weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly

POLI1003A has been successfully completed

Core topic Bachelor of Public Administration

Core option Bachelor of Social Work

Associated Majors: American Studies (level 1); International Relations (level 1); Political Studies (level 1); Public Policy (level 1); Australian Studies (level 1)

Examination 30%, assignment(s)

This topic explains how liberal democracy developed in the Western world and in at least one recent emerging democracy. The topic studies contemporary democracy and government in Australia viewed against its origins in British and American democracy and, more broadly, the ideas that inspired democracy and the evolution of citizenship. The topic explores how Western political ideas and values influence current policy debates and introduces questions concerning the power of the media, big business, labour unions and social movements. Students will also examine the key institutions of government, and how they work and have changed over time.

Students will also ponder political life in a country with an authoritarian system of government. The topic will also focus on a few key policy disputes over matters such as, refugee, indigenous and climate change policy and whether Australia should adopt a bill of rights.

To introduce students to the study of politics, political ideas and power relations in Western liberal democracies and encourage them to discuss and debate key issues as though they were part of the government.
Encourage students to examine their own political values and reflect on how these values are also shared in by citizens in other liberal democratic societies.
Encourage students to consider what it is like to live under authoritarian or dictatorial government
To introduce students to at least 4 areas of current public policy debates
To develop essential research and writing skills, critical analysis of political issues and the ability to present a verbal argument.

Students successfully competing POLI1003 should be able to:

Describe the differences between political values, ideologies and ideals on the role and purpose of government in Western liberal democracies
Understand the role of parliament and how parliaments are elected, and debate intelligently the merits of difference methods for electing governments
Evaluate the role of these institutions within the Australian political system and how these compare with those in other Western democracies
Engage in an informed fashion with a debates and controversies within Australian politics
Critically analyse newspaper feature articles dealing with political issues and debates
Apply developed skills in academic research, verbal argument and professional writing.

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2019 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.