Why do Australians vote the way they do? Why are young people more likely to support minor parties? What would happen if voting were not compulsory? How important is the environment to most people? Do Australians want the government to play a larger or smaller role in our lives? The answers to these questions have very important implications for Australian democracy. This course will examine how the dimensions of political behaviour and public opinion have been changing over time and the implications of this for the future of Australian politics.

Upon completing this course students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse academic surveys and public opinion polls

2. Evaluate the contribution surveys and opinion polls makes to our understanding of Australian politics

3. Critically assess and present arguments based on empirical evidence and theoretical models based on the voter behaviour literature

4. Assess the most important post-1945 elections and the events and issues driving electoral outcomes

5. Develop analytical and writing skills through the research essay and exam

6. Discuss and reasses central ideas in collegical class environment

Research Essay (40%)(2,000 words)

Exam (40%)(3 essay question responses)

Tutorial attendance/participation (10%)

Tutorial presentation (10%)

One two hour lecture, one one hour tutorial per week plus six hours per week of independent study. 

12 units of 1000 level Politics and International Relations or with permission of the lecturer.

Content included in 12 units of 1000 level Politics and International Relations.

A reading brick will be available.

Information will be made available through Wattle.