POL213 Understanding Australian Political Life: Actors, Institutions and Policy (8)

This subject examines the various political actors and their roles and functions in Australian political life within and outside of Australian political institutions, as well as the institutions themselves. By actors we mean the politicians, business groups, media companies, activists and interest groups that determine and influence the outcome of domestic policy at a state and federal level, as well as foreign policy decisions.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: POL213. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Social Work and Arts

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the role and function of the key institutions of state, and that of the private and public sectors;
  • be able to identify the main political actors in the political process, and their impact on law-making, elections and society;
  • be able to critically evaluate the dynamics of decision-making in policy debates; and
  • be able to contribute an informed perspective to social, economic, political, and cultural debates, including those about power, accountability and legitimacy.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to Australian political actors and their role
  • Conventional approaches to Australian political life
  • Critical and alternative approaches to Australian political life
  • The executive and political power (government, police, and defence)
  • The legislature and law-making power (parliament and lobby groups)
  • The judiciary (courts and the constitution)
  • The bureaucracy (Australian public service and outsourcing)
  • The political left (public sector, unions, parties, and social movements)
  • The political right (private sector, parties, finance, mining, and agriculture)
  • The public relations state (media and think tanks)
  • Australian foreign policy and the US alliance (global economy, globalism, and security)

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of POL213 in Session 2 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Political theory application
20
2
Political culture analysis
30
3
Political system analysis
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back