Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor and Lecturer
Lloyd Cox
Contact via by email
South wing of Hearing hub Building, Level 2
Tuesday 10-12
Convenor and Lecturer
Ashley Lavelle
Contact via by email
South wing of Hearing hub Building, Level 2
TBA
Matthew Wainscott
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
Co-badged with POL 101 internal and external
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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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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/
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Late Submissions
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.”
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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First Essay | 20% | No | Tuesday, 3 April |
Main essay | 40% | Yes | Tuesday, 8 May |
Discussion board participation | 10% | No | All year |
Open book, at home exam | 30% | No | Monday, 11/06/2018 |
Due: Tuesday, 3 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 through Turnitin. by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 3 April. The file should be labelled with your family name, essay one, POIX 101 OUA
Due: Tuesday, 8 May
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The main essay will be 1800 words +/- 10%, with essay topics to be put on ilearn in week two of the unit. Essays without an extension will be subject to the Arts Faculty's later submission policy (see below). Students should submit their essay through Turnitin by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 6 May. The file should be labelled with your family name, essay two, POIX 101 OUA.
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.
Due: Monday, 11/06/2018
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, 8 June at midday, and students will be required to submit their completed work by 5.00 pm on Monday, 11 June. Students should submit their work through Turnitin, in one file. Please remember this, that all three essay should be on one file, which should be labelled with your family name, final exam, POIX 101 OUA.
Australian Politics in Global Context
Welcome to POIX 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
Lecture and Tutorial Outline
Week |
Lecture Dates |
Lecture Topics |
Tutorial Topics |
1 |
Feb 26 A Feb 28 B |
Introduction: Australian Politics and Globalization Democracy and Inequality in Australia |
No Tutorial |
2 |
March 5, A March 7, B |
The Australian Constitution The Constitution and the "Dismissal" |
Was the Dismissal Constitutional? Whose class interests were served? |
3 |
March 12, A March 14. B |
Australian Federalism Reforming Federalism: How and Why? |
Federalism versus Centralism? |
4 |
March 19, A March 21, B
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The Legislature Whose Laws? Social Class and Political Lobbying |
Can laws and decisions be bought? |
5 |
March 26, A March 28, B |
The modern Executive The modern Executive, Secrecy and Refugees
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Cabinet confidentiality. Whose Secrets? |
6 |
April 2, no lecture April 4, B |
Easter Monday, no lecture The High Court |
No Tutorials due to Easter |
7 |
April 9, A April 1, B |
The High Court and Aboriginal Land Rights recap of first half of unit |
Mabo, Wik and the High Court. |
8 |
April 30, A May 2, B |
Social Democracy and the ALP: Flickering Light on the Hill Finally Extinguished? |
Social Democracy and the ALP: Flickering Light on the Hill Finally Extinguished?
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9 |
May 7, A May, 9, B |
The Coalition: Liberalism or Class Rule? |
The Coalition: Liberalism or Class Rule?
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10 |
May 14, A May 16, B |
Relevancy Deprivation Syndrome? Minor Parties and Independents |
Relevancy Deprivation Syndrome? Minor Parties and Independents
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11 |
May 21, A May 23, B |
Radicals and Resistance: Left Right Out? Religion and Politics in Australia |
Radicals and Resistance: Left Right Out? Religion and Politics in Australia |
12 |
May 28 May 30 |
Neo-liberalism, Business Power, and Economic Crisis Down Under: Sun, Sand, Surf, and Stockjobbers |
Neo-liberalism, Business Power, and Economic Crisis Down Under: Sun, Sand, Surf, and Stockjobbers |
13 |
June 4 June 6 |
Living in the End Times: The Age of 'Natural Disasters' and Environmental Catastrophe Conclusion |
Conclusion |
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.
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:
If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:
Outcome
Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.
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 (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:
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).
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 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.
Late Submissions
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.”
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
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