Students
POL 831 – Parties, Elections and Campaigns
2019 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Course Coordinator
Conor Keane
Contact via via email
N/A
by email appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP or MPASR or GradDipPASR or GradCertPP or GradDipPP or MIntLawGovPP or MPPPMDevStud or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MIntell or MCTerrorism or MPASRMDevStud or MPPPMPASR or MPPPMIntRel or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCTerrorismMCrim
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit investigates the electoral context of policy making. It does this by deepening students’ knowledge of the key institutions, actors and phenomena of electoral politics across the liberal democratic world. Students will learn more about the history, evolution and impact of political parties; the impact that different electoral systems have; changing modes of campaigning used by parties, interest groups and social movements; and the impact of populism on liberal democracy.
|
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:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalty
“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.”
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar Participation | 10% | No | Weekly |
| Quizzes | 20% | No | ongoing |
| Take-Home Exam | 20% | No | 14 September 11:55pm |
| Major Essay | 50% | No | 26 October 11:55pm |
Seminar Participation
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Students enrolling in an on-campus course are expected to have the capacity and commitment to attend seminars. They should be prepared to devote approximately 10 hours per week to each course. These 10 hours include lecture and tutorial attendance, undertaking weekly readings, miscellaneous study activities and assignment preparation and completion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
Quizzes
Due: ongoing
Weighting: 20%
These quizzes will be held in the weekly seminars (10 quizzes worth 2% each) throughout the semester. They will be based on material covered in the key readings and lectures, and the details in relation to which lectures they will be held in will not be announced prior to each seminar, meaning that you will not know in advance whether a quiz will be held in a given seminar. This is designed to ensure maximum participation in the course and maximum achievement in the quizzes. More information about the quizzes will be provided in the first seminar.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
Take-Home Exam
Due: 14 September 11:55pm
Weighting: 20%
This take-home exam is designed to test students' knowledge of the content from the first half of the semester. Answers will be submitted via turnitin. More details to come once the semester starts.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
Major Essay
Due: 26 October 11:55pm
Weighting: 50%
The essay, approximately 3000 words in length, provides students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth. Students should develop a considered answer to a specific question based on reading a range of sources wider than simply the key readings (Students must read and refer to a minimum of 15 substantive sources). More detail will be provided about this assessment on ilearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
Delivery and Resources
1 x 1-1.5 hour pre-recorded lecture available via iLearn
1 x 2-hour weekly seminar Wednesday 6-8pm
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Quizzes
- Take-Home Exam
- Major Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Major Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Major Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which political parties and party systems have evolved
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in electoral politics, including using the methods of comparative politics to compare these actors and institutions
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in shaping voting behaviour
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the declining support for liberal democracy and political parties
- Analyse one of the major causes of contemporary democratic dissatisfaction by comparing cases from across the liberal democratic world
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Quizzes
- Take-Home Exam
- Major Essay
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 28/07/2019 | Due dates changed to reflect Glenn's online lecture. I did not want there to be any points of discrepancy. |