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.

Classes will be held on 1st, 3rd, and 8th July 2013 from 9:30am to 5:00pm; and
5th, 10th and 12th July 2013 from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will 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%)

24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials.  The lectures and tutorials would be conducted over 10 working days. In addition to the ten-day block students would be expected to complete 30 hours of reading before the ten-day block and 30 hours during the ten-day block and 30 hours after the ten-day block.

This course will commence on 1 July and meet every other day.  Please see the Wattle site for details.

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.

How to enrol into a course offered in a non-standard session (Summer Session, Autumn Session, Winter Session, Spring Session):

1. Complete an Enrolment Variation Form available on the following website: http://students.anu.edu.au/manage/vary.php.   
2. You must include the Course Code, Class number and Semester/Session.
3. If the course requires Convenor approval (Departmental consent), the Lecturer section must be signed by the appropriate Course Convenor prior to submitting the Form.
4. Submit the Form in person to the CASS Student Office located in the Beryl Rawson Building 13, Ellery Crescent or online to students.cass@anu.edu.au.
5. Please allow up to 3 weeks for processing, and submit your request as early as possible prior to the commencement of the relevant session.
6. You are advised to check ISIS for the outcome of your request after this period.
7. Please take note of the Overload Policy which may apply if you are enrolling in a non-standard session.

If you have questions, please contact the CASS Student Office at students.cass@anu.edu.au.