Political science generally examines relationships among ideas, institutions, and interests. This course focuses on Australian political ideas about institutions and interests. The aim is to understand the nature of political and policy argument in Australia by examining debate over central themes in Australian politics. The course asks what is distinctive about political argument in Australia, what are the driving ideas in Australian politics, and how do these ideas compare with global norms such as deliberative democracy. The course tracks the role of ideas (including ideas about the value of material interests) in defining the institutions and policies characteristic of Australian national politics. Sources include writings of leading political actors and influential policy analysts, including contributors to the development of political science in Australia.

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

1. compare the core ideas influencing Australian politics

2. explain relationships between ideas and political institutions and policy processes

3. apply analytical frameworks to political ideas in the Australian context

4. assess the role of political ideas in contemporary policy debates

5. argue with evidence over the place of ideas in Australian policy and politics

Critical Review Paper (20%) of 1000 words (Outcomes 1, 2)

Research Paper (40%) of 3000 words (Outcomes 2, 3, and 4)

Examination (30%) with three questions (Outcomes, 4, 5)

Tutorial participation (10%) (Outcomes 1, 5)

2 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial each week

12 units of 1000-level POLS courses.

Recommended skills: general interest in political argument and basic knowledge of the Australian political system.

James Walter, What were they thinking? The politics of ideas in Australia. UNSW Press 2010.

R A W Rhodes, Editor. The Australian Study of Politics. Palgrave Macmillan and APSA 2009.

Additional readings available on-line from beginning of the course.

None