This course examines Australian politics from a historical perspective, beginning with the autocracy of the colonial governors and extending to the present day.  It explores the foundation and working of democracy, the formation of the party system, and the relationship of politics to broader transformations in society. The first part follows a chronological structure, while the second examines a range of themes including federalism, state government, rural politics, Indigenous politics, the media and the role of emotions in political mobilisation. The aim is to provide students with a historical grounding in the main political trends, personalities, and ideologies since 1788.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. explain the origins and development of institutions, practices and ideologies in Australian politics
2. identify change and continuity in Australian politics across more than two centuries
3. analyse the relationship between political stability and change, and broader transformations in Australian society and culture
4. appreciate the capacity of historical approaches to generate insights into the political past and present
5. locate and interpret primary sources, and use them in constructing coherent and persuasive historical questions and answers
6. locate and evaluate secondary authorities, and use them to construct coherent and persuasive historical questions and answers

1st Essay 2000 words (40%): Assesses learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6

2nd Essay 2500 words (50%): Assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6

Tutorial participation (10%): Assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4.

One two-hour lecture and one one-hour tutorial per week. Students will be expected to spend an average of seven hours per week outside these contact hours to prepare for tutorials, research and write the essays.

12 units of 1000-level HIST or POLS courses. EURO 1004, ANCH 1013 and ANCH1014 also count as first year History courses. 

Students with the prescribed qualifications should be well equipped to enrol.

tutorial readings will be made available to students via WATTLE

Powerpoint facilities and Wattle