POWER AND THE PASSION: REPRESENTATION AND DEMOCRACY IN AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

POL2RAP

Not currently offered

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject examines the nature of representation and democracy in Australian politics. Who gets to make political decisions and why? Which individuals and groups are represented (or not) in political decision-making? The subject begins by looking at ideas of representative democracy and how these can be applied to the Australian context. The subject then interrogates formal institutions of representative democracy in Australia, including electoral systems, parliament and political parties. It then examines the ways different social and political actors represent diverse ideas and identities, how they seek to influence decision-making, and limit or enable pathways to social change. The class will collectively choose the case studies we will examine, which may include the role of the media, grassroots activism, indigenous reconciliation, think tanks, unions, artists and popular culture, diaspora, farmers, and the business lobby. It concludes by considering whether Australia meets the ideals of representative democracy.

School: Humanities and Social Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Bec Strating

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: N/A

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: POL3RAP OR POL1RAP OR POL11AUP

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the multiple sources and perspectives available for studying contemporary Australian politics.
02. Critically analyse ideas, institutions and theories of representative democracy.
03. Collaborate in groups to assess aims, strategies and activities of political and social actors in influencing elections and political decision-making in Australia.
04. Apply ideas and theories of representative democracy to the Australian political context.
Subject not currently offered - Subject options not available.