Students
POIX101 – Australian Politics in Global Context
2017 – S2 OUA
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Lloyd Cox
Contact via 98504096
W6A 423
Tuesday 2-4
OUA Convenor
Richard Vogt
Contact via Email
OUA Co-ordinator
Matthew Bailey
Contact via Email
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit, we critically assess Australian politics from the perspective of political and economic history, through the lens of social power and financial interests, and drilling down into contemporary debates about economic crisis, globalisation, nationalism, environmental catastrophe and war. With this approach in mind, we examine key Australian political institutions, ideologies, and issues. What is the nature of Australia's key political institutions (the Constitution, the High Court, Federalism, Government and Parliament), and are they democratic and just? Could we live without them? What are some of the radical critiques of these institutions and the interests they serve? What is 'Australia', after all – a unified nation of peoples with shared identities and interests, or a construct that serves wealth and power by masking deep social fractures, or something else again? These questions should be seen as an entrée to Australian politics before embarking on the more in-depth companion unit PLT210.
All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Essay | 20% | Yes | 30/8/2017 |
| Major Essay | 40% | Yes | 11/10/2017 |
| Take Home Examination | 40% | Yes | 10-12 November 2017 |
Minor Essay
Due: 30/8/2017
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
In this first essay, students will have an opportunity to explore one of the key Australian political institutions that we deal with in the early weeks of the unit. Students should submit their essay through turnitin by midnight on Wednesday 30 August.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Major Essay
Due: 11/10/2017
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The main essay will be 1500 words +/-10%, with essay topics to be distributed in week two of the unit. Students should submit their essay via turnitin by midnight on Wednesday 11 October
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Take Home Examination
Due: 10-12 November 2017
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The final, take home exam will be put up on ilearn by 11.00am on Friday, 10 November. It will be composed of four short essay-type tasks of around 600 words each, drawn from material across the entire unit. These works should be referenced in the usual way. Students should submit their finished work direct to turnitin by midnight on Sunday 11 June. The exam should be sent as one file, not four.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- A sound understanding of the foundations of the Australian political system and its relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Delivery and Resources
Australian Politics in Global Context
Welcome to POIX101, 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. Among 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 questions, we will follow readings from the prescribed text book quite closely. Hence it is essential for all students to purchase a copy from the university bookshop:
Narelle Miragliotta, Wayne Errington and Nicholas Barry (2013)The Australian Political System in Action (2nd edn.) South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
To do well in this unit it is imperative that students listen to all lectures and engage with reading material including the political press. Beyond the prescribed text, I will also be recommending additional supplementary readings as we go. Students will also find the following resources useful:
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
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Week |
Lecture Dates |
Lecture Topics |
Tutorial Topics |
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1 |
Lecture 1A Lecture 1B |
Introduction: Australian Politics and Globalization Democracy and Inequality in Australia |
Introduction |
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2 |
Lecture 2A Lecture 2B |
The Australian Constitution The Constitution and the "Dismissal" |
Was the Dismissal Constitutional? |
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3 |
Lecture 3A Lecture 3B |
Australian Federalism Reforming Federalism: How and Why? |
Federalism versus Centralism? |
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4 |
Lecture 4A Lecture 4B |
The Legislature Whose Laws? Social Class and Political Lobbying |
Can laws and decisions be bought? |
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5 |
Lecture 5A Lecture 5B |
The Executive, Secrecy and Refugees In Class Test for internal students (hence no lecture), while first essay due for external students |
The Executive and Australia's refugee policy |
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6 |
Lecture 6A Lecture 6B |
The Public Service The Public Service and Economic Rationalism |
Who does the Public Service serve? |
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7 |
Lecture 7A Lecture 7B |
The High Court The High Court and Aboriginal Land Rights |
Mabo, Wik and the High Court |
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8 |
Lecture 8A Lecture 8B |
The Electoral System No Place for Amateurs: The Professionalization of Australian Politics |
Professionalization and "dumbing down" in Australian Politics
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9 |
Lecture 9A Lecture 9B |
Reading/Writing Week, no lecture Reading/Writing Week, no lecture |
No tutorials, but I will be available for consultation on essays, due on 10 May
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10 |
Lecture 10A Lecture 10B |
The Australian Labor Party (History) The Australian Labor Party (Today) |
Is the ALP still a labour/workers party?
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11 |
Lecture 11A Lecture 11B |
The Liberal Party (History) The Liberal Party (Today) |
Is the modern Liberal Party a "liberal" party? |
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12 |
Lecture 12A Lecture 12B |
The Greens and the Environment Radical Political Movements |
Can the environment flourish in a capitalist world? |
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13 |
Lecture 13A Lecture 13B |
Australia, US, Asia: Along the Domestic/Foreign Divide Conclusion and preparation for exam (must attend) |
Globalization and Australian Politics |
Policies and Procedures
Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Extension Request
Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)
The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.
You need to show that the circumstances:
- were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
- were beyond your control
- caused substantial disruption to your academic work
- substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
- lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.
If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:
- Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
- Fill in your relevant details
- Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
- Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process
Outcome
Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.
OUA Specific Policies and Procedures
Withdrawal from a unit after the census date
You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.
If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.
If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.
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
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Take Home Examination
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Major Essay
- Take Home Examination
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Major Essay
- Take Home Examination
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Major Essay
- Take Home Examination
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Major Essay
- Take Home Examination
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Major Essay
- Take Home Examination
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 relationship to its global context
- A working knowledge of the key features of Australia's main political institutions and the debates and controversies surrounding them
- Familiarity with the main political ideologies and parties that are influential in the Australian political scene
- Development of an analytical vocabulary for better appreciating some of the more pressing contemporary issues in Australian politics
Assessment tasks
- Minor Essay
- Major Essay
- Take Home Examination