Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Foundations of Politics and Government

• Unit Code

  POL1104

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Genevieve Ruth HOHNEN

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Description

Students will be introduced to the foundations of politics and government in terms of the institutions, ideas and concepts that shape politics at the national and international level. Issues to be examined will include the nature of power, the operation of the institutions of state, political socialisation and participation, the major ideologies underpinning politics and styles of leadership. The unit will also examine the major types of government in the world today: democratic, authoritarian and dictatorships. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary examples to illustrate the key ideas and concepts.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded POL4104, POL5104

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the dynamics of power in contemporary politics and society.
2. Apply the study of power to an interpretation of current events.
3. Explain how concepts such as political culture, political socialisation, ideology, democracy, government, constitutions, elections, executives, assemblies, political parties, pressure groups and revolution are relevant to the study of politics.
4. Identify major political ideas associated with western political thought.
5. Understand the key concepts of power and authority.

Unit Content

1. Differences between the structure and functioning of democracy in Australia, the United States and Russia.
2. Social movements and political change in the modern world.
3. The key elements of authoritarian and dictatorial regimes.
4. The nature of democratic regimes.
5. The nature of power.
6. The process of political socialisation in Western democracies.
7. The role of political ideologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, seminars, workshops, interviews, films and videos.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Heywood, A. (2012). Political ideologies : an introduction (5th ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.

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