The first aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the key concepts in the discipline of Political Science: power, influence, authority, legitimacy, coercion, conflict, interests, policy-making, bureaucracy, political communication, accountability and democracy.

The second aim is to use these and other concepts to examine the major institutions of Australian politics, often in a comparative perspective. Students will explore the Constitution, Federalism, Parliament, Cabinet, the Public Service, the Electoral System, the High Court, Political Parties, Interest Groups, Social Movements and the Media.

By the end of this course a student should be able to:

• critically analyse some of the key concepts in political science - presented in lectures, re-enforced through participation in tutorials and your preparation for the key concepts section of the examination.
• participate in group discussions about contested concepts with confidence and with tolerance for other points of view.
• evaluate subjective claims about politics through in-depth study of a particular political institution or concept in your essay and your exam preparation.
• write and argue about these claims using the basic terminology of social science.

Two essays (600 and 1800 words, 55%), a 1.5 hour examination (40%) and tutorial participation (5%).

Two lectures and one tutorial a week. Lectures will be recorded.

Regular reading of any one of The Canberra Times, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age or The Australian Financial Review.

Eccleston, R., Williams, P. and Hollander, R. Foundations of Australian Politics, (Pearson, 2006).