CONTACT CSU

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2016

SPE101 Introduction to Politics and Social Policy (8)

Abstract

This subject looks at Australian political institutions and systems of government in comparative perspective. Present systems are explained against their historical background, covering federal, state, local and regional organisations and the principles of democracy which underlie them. The policy process is introduced, looking at current trends in policy-making, informed by political theory and political economy in order to place social policy in broader context.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: SPE101
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment restrictions

Not for students who have completed POL105
Incompatible subject(s)
POL101 POL105 POL110 WEL104

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be aware of the main institutions of Australian political and governmental systems
- understand basic political theory
- be able to compare Australian democracy with other systems of government
- recognise the different tiers of government and their roles
- have a basic understanding of the history of Australian political institutions
- understand the machinery of government and policy making
- be aware of the place of social policy in the machinery of government

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
- Basic political concepts and theory pertinent to freedom, liberty, equality and democracy - Democratic, Fascist and communist political systems and models of governance - Capitalist, socialist and global economic systems - Historical emergence of the Australian constitution and Westminster system of government - Factors that have shaped Australia's institutions - colonisation, federation, labour movement, immigration - Machinery of government, including local, state and federal levels of government and legislative, judicial and administrative arms of government - Social policy infrastructure of social policy, social provisions and human services

Back

The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.