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

  Australian Government

• Unit Code

  POL2127

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit is designed to familiarise students with the theories, institutions and socio-economic forces operating on government in Australia. This unit provides an overview of the operation of Australian democracy. It focuses on democratic theory and practice. It compares the practice of Australian politics and government with democratic ideals. A feature of the unit will be the discussion of relevant contemporary political issues.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded POL2117, POL3117, POL3127, POL4117

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply theoretical perspectives from political science to an analysis of the structure, organisation and dynamics of Australian political institutions.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of important strands of political thought on institutions and processes of decision making in Australia.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic features of the Australian political system.
4. Relate contemporary events to the process of government in Australia.

Unit Content

1. Political parties, interest groups and political communication.
2. Public opinion, the mass media and political communication.
3. The electoral system, elections and voting behaviour.
4. The operation and performance of Parliament, cabinet and political leadership.
5. The structure of Australian government.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The presentation of unit content is through lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, visits, invitation speakers, 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.

Text References

• Lewis, P (2003). Issues, indicators and ideas. (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson.
• Ward, I., & Stewart, R. (2010). Politics one. South Yarra, Australia: Palgrave.
• Drum, M., & Tate, J. (2012). Politics in Australia. South Yarra, Australia: Palgrave.
• Willmott, T., & Douse, J. (2002). Process and participation: Politics in law in Australia. (2nd ed.). Perth, Australia: Politics Law Publishing.
• Summers, J., Woodward, D., & Parkin. A. (2002). Government, politics, power and policy in Australia. (7th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Addison, Esley, Longman.
• Solomon, D. (1998). Coming of age: Charter for a new Australia. St. Lucia, Australia: Queensland University Press.
• Boreham, P., Stokes, G., & Hall, R. (Eds.). (2000). The politics of Australian society: Political issues for a new country. Melbourne, Australia: Pearson Australia.
• Singleton, G., Aitkin, D., Jinks, B., & Garhurst, J. (2003). Australian political institutions. (7th ed.). Sydney, Australia: Pearson Education Australia.

Journal References

• Parliamentary Hansard (Commonwealth and Western Australia)
• The Australian Quarterly
• Australian Journal of Political Science

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