Students
POIR611 – Australian Politics in Global Context
2016 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and Lecturer
Lloyd Cox
Contact via by email
W6A, room 423
Tuesday 10-12
Convenor and Lecturer
Ashley Lavelle
Contact via by email
W6A 435
TBA
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertPP or GradCertIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
POIR 611
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides an introduction to Australian politics, and examines the key political institutions, ideas and interests which are important in contemporary Australia. The unit considers the state of Australia's democracy, reflecting critically on the role of key institutions such as the Constitution, the High Court, Parliament, and Federalism. It explores the role of political parties in politics and policy, and considers the strengths and weaknesses of the dominant political ideologies in contemporary Australian debates. The unit also explores the way in which Australian institutions and actors have been affected by globalisation, and examines a range of topical case studies in contemporary politics and policy.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| First Essay | 20% | Friday, 1 April |
| Main essay | 40% | Friday, 6 May |
| Discussion board participation | 10% | All year |
| Open book, at home exam | 30% | Monday, 13/06/2016 |
First Essay
Due: Friday, 1 April
Weighting: 20%
This first essay will be based on topics covered in the first four weeks of the unit. These topics will be posted on ilearn in the first week of semester. Students should submit their essay in electronic form to lloyd.cox@mq.edu.au, by 5.00 pm on Friday, 1 April. The file should be labelled with your family name, essay one, and your name must also be on the essay as it will be printed out.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
Main essay
Due: Friday, 6 May
Weighting: 40%
The main essay will be 2000 words +/- 10%, with essay topics to be put on ilearn in week two of the unit. Late submissions without an extension will be penalised 1 mark out of 40, for each late day. Essays without an extention beyond two weeks late will not be accepted. Students should submit their essay in electronic form to lloyd.cox@mq.edu.au, by the close of 5.00 pm on Friday, 6 May. The file should be labelled with your family name, essay two, and your name must also be on the essay as it will be printed out.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Discussion board participation
Due: All year
Weighting: 10%
These marks are for "participating" on the ilearn discussion board. Students should make regular, weekly contributions. Grades will be assigned based on the regularity and quality of your contributions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Open book, at home exam
Due: Monday, 13/06/2016
Weighting: 30%
This open book, at home exam will consist of 3 short, 800 word essays, with usual referencing conventions applying (i.e., provide references). The topics will be placed on ilearn on Friday, 10 June at midday, and students will be required to submit their completed work by 5.00 pm on Monday, 13 June. Students should submit their work in electronic form to lloyd.cox@mq.edu.au. All three essay should be on one file, which should be labelled with your family name, final exam, and your name must also be on the essays.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
Delivery and Resources
Australian Politics in Global Context
Welcome to POL 101, Australian Politics in Global Context. Australian politics has undergone rapid change over the past three decades. The relative stability of the post-war era has given way to a political and social landscape of accelerated transformation. Previously taken-for-granted values are challenged, once stable institutions are destabilised, and the very idea of an Australian political community (what it is, who it encompasses, and the future directions it should take) is the subject of fierce controversy. These political tremors have been expressed most acutely in the rise of and subsequent challenges to multiculturalism, and in the neo-liberal restructuring of key Australian institutions, with an attendant growth of inequality.
In this course, we introduce Australian politics through the lens of debates about globalization and its consequences for state capacities, sovereignty and decision-making. In so doing, we examine key political institutions, ideologies and contemporary issues. We explore the ways in which they been affected by, and have also filtered the effects of, accelerated globalization. Amongst other questions, we ask: what is globalization and how, if at all, has it blurred the boundaries between ‘domestic’ and ‘foreign’ policy issues; what is the nature of Australia’s key political institutions, and do they ensure a high degree of democratic participation and accountability in a global era; what are the strengths and weaknesses of the main political ideas that inform public debate in this country, and how are they expressed in political struggle between the main parties?
In trying to answer these quesitons, we will provide a number of weekly readings that will be available on ilearn. To get the best out of this unit it is essential that students read, think carefully about what they are reading, and discuss their thoughts on the ilearn discussion board.
To do well in this unit it is imperative that students listen to all lectures and make regular contributions to the discussion board. You will enjoy the unit much more if you do.
Useful General Texts and Background Reading on Australian Politics
Aulich, C. & Wettenhall, R. (eds.) (2005) Howard’s Second and Third Term Governments. Sydney: UNSW Press.
Frankel, B. (2004) Zombies, Lilliputians and Sadists: The Power of the Living Dead and the Future of Australia. Fremantle: Curtin University Press.
Hirst, J. (2002) Australia’s Democracy: A Short History. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Irving, H. (2004) Five Things to Know About the Constitution. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. Pp. 92-107.
Maddox, G. (2005) Australian Democracy in Theory and Practice, 5th edn. Melbourne: Longman.
Parkin, A., Summers, J. & Woodward, D. (eds.) (2006) Government, Politics, Power and Policy in Australia 8th edn. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
Singleton, G. (ed.) (2000) The Howard Government: Australian Commonwealth Administration 1996-1998. Sydney: UNSW Press.
Singleton, G., Aitkin, D., Jinks, B. & Warhurst, J. (2006) Australian Political Institutions, 8th edn. Melbourne: Longman.
Smith, R. (2001) Australian Political Culture. Melbourne Longman.
Vromen, A. & Gelber, K. (2005) Powerscape: Contemporary Australian Political Practice. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Young, S. (2004) The Persuaders: Inside the Hidden Machine of Political Advertising. Melbourne: Pluto Press Australia.
USEFUL JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES
Arena
Australian Journal of Political Science
Australian Journal of Politics and History
Australian Journal of Political Economy
Australian Journal of Public Administration
Australian Journal of Social Issues
[Australian]Journal of Sociology
AQ: Journal of Contemporary Analysis
Griffith Review
Journal of Political Ideologies
The Monthly: Australian Politics, Society and Culture
Thesis Eleven
USEFUL WEBSITES
Macquarie University’s Politics subject site:
http://www.lib.mq.edu/resources/subject/politics
The Commonwealth parliamentary Library:
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/index.htm
The National Library of Australia:
http://www.nla.gov.au/oz/gov /
Elections data base website at the University of Western Australia:
NSW government website:
http://www.nsw.gov.au/government.asp
Australian Bureau of Statistics:
ABC Online:
Australian Policy Online:
http://www.apo.org.au/index.shtml
Australian Review of Public Affairs:
Online Opinion
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au
New Matilda Magazine
www.newmatilda.com/home/default/.asp
The Whitlam Institute
The Australia Institute
The Centre for Independent Studies
The Green Left Weekly
Unit Schedule
Lecture and Tutorial Outline
|
Week |
Lecture Dates |
Lecture Topics |
Tutorial Topics |
|
1 |
March 4, A March 4, B |
Introduction: Australian Politics and Globalization Democracy and Inequality in Australia |
No Tutorial |
|
2 |
March 11, A March 11, B |
The Australian Constitution The Constitution and the "Dismissal" |
Was the Dismissal Constitutional? Whose class interests were served? |
|
3 |
March 18, A March 18. B |
Australian Federalism Reforming Federalism: How and Why? |
Federalism versus Centralism? |
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4 |
March 25
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Easter Friday, no lecture |
Easter Friday, no tutorials |
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5 |
April 1, A April 1, B |
The Legislature Whose Laws? Social Class and Political Lobbying
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Can laws and decisions be bought? |
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6 |
April 8, A April 8, B |
The modern Executive The modern Executive, Secrecy and Refugees |
Cabinet confidentiality. Whose Secrets? |
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7 |
April 29, A April 29, B |
The High Court The High Court and Aboriginal Land Rights |
Mabo, Wik and the High Court. |
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8 |
April 28 April 30 |
Social Democracy and the ALP: Flickering Light on the Hill Finally Extinguished? |
The High Court
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|
9 |
May 5 May 7 |
The Coalition: Liberalism or Class Rule? |
Social Democracy and the ALP: Flickering Light on the Hill Finally Extinguished?
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10 |
May 12 May 14 |
Relevancy Deprivation Syndrome? Minor Parties and Independents | The Coalition: Liberalism or Class Rule? |
|
11 |
May 19 May 21 |
Radicals and Resistance: Left Right Out? Religion and Politics in Australia |
Relevancy Deprivation Syndrome? Minor Parties and Independents |
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12 |
May 26 May 28 |
Neo-liberalism, Business Power, and Economic Crisis Down Under: Sun, Sand, Surf, and Stockjobbers |
Radicals and Resistance: Left Right Out? Religion and Politics in Australia |
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13 |
June 2 June 4 |
Living in the End Times: The Age of 'Natural Disasters' and Environmental Catastrophe |
Neo-liberalism, Business Power, and Economic Crisis Down Under: Sun, Sand, Surf, and Stockjobbers |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation
- Open book, at home exam
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation
- Open book, at home exam
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation
- Open book, at home exam
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation
- Open book, at home exam
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
- Development of a analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation
- Open book, at home exam
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationsip to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies that surround them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australia political scene
Assessment tasks
- First Essay
- Main essay
- Discussion board participation