Overview

This unit aims to provide students with a critical introduction to the Australian political system; the institutions and actors that comprise it; and the ideas and values that underpin the practice of democratic politics. Students will examine the origins and evolution of these key actors and institutions and consider how they are being challenged and transformed by technological change; new forms of political engagement; and shifting ideas of representation.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
04-November-2024
09-February-2025
Last self-enrolment date
17-November-2024
Census date
29-November-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
27-December-2024
Results released date
04-March-2025
Teaching Period 2
Location
Online
Start and end dates
07-July-2025
05-October-2025
Last self-enrolment date
20-July-2025
Census date
01-August-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
22-August-2025
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and dynamics of the Australian political system
  • Apply theoretical models to the analysis of political behaviour in Australia
  • Critically evaluate different perspectives on issues and problems
  • Perform logical analysis and develop well-informed arguments

Teaching methods

Swinburne Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Class		1.00 4 weeks 4
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning		12.17 12 weeks 146
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
EssayIndividual 50% 1,2,3,4 
QuizIndividual 20% 1,3 
TestIndividual 30% 1,2,3,4 

Content

  • Political ideologies
  • Constitutionalism and constitutional change
  • Federalism
  • Parliament and responsible government
  • Elections and electoral systems
  • Political parties and representation
  • Political leadership
  • Lobbying, interest groups and the media
  • Political behaviour and political culture

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.