Applied Political Research
Duration
- 1 Semester (but may be taken in intensive mode)
Contact hours
- 2 Hours per Week or equivalent
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
2023 teaching periods
| Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 2 |
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|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Prerequisites
Admission to this unit is by application and Convenor approval only. Competitive entry will apply on the basis of at least a distinction level average in their units in Politics and International Relations Major.
Corequisites
NilAims and objectives
The aim of this unit of study is to provide outstanding students with first-hand experience of operating in the Australian political environment. The student will develop skills in:
- Carrying out independent research.
- Evaluating evidence on topical issues impartially.
- Policy analysis.
- Managing a research project and meeting strict deadlines.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Two hours of class contact per week plus two days per week in the host organisation. Intensive mode: five weeks of full-time work in the host organisation plus weekly consultation with supervisor.
Assessment
Preliminary analysis and work plan, research report of 5000 words, reflective essay.
General skills outcomes
- Graduates are capable in their chosen professional areas.
- Graduates operate effectively in work and community situations.
- Graduates are adaptable and manage change.
- Graduates are aware of environments.
- Graduates are entrepreneurial.
Content
Before the internship commences, students will undertake a one-day orientation program in which they are required to undertake a preliminary analysis of the research question and prepare a provisional working plan for carrying out their research project. During the course of the internship, students will work under the supervision of a Swinburne Politics staff member and a senior officer of the host organisation in preparing a research report of 5,000 words.
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Booth, WC, Colomb, GC & Williams, JM, The Craft of Research, 2nd edn, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2003.
Fenna, A, Introduction to Australian Public Policy, Longman, Melbourne, 1998.
Sodaro, MJ, Comparative Politics: A Comparative Introduction, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001.
Windschuttle, K & Elliott, E, Writing, Researching, Communicating: Communication Skills for the Information Age, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill Australia, 1999.
Fenna, A, Introduction to Australian Public Policy, Longman, Melbourne, 1998.
Sodaro, MJ, Comparative Politics: A Comparative Introduction, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001.
Windschuttle, K & Elliott, E, Writing, Researching, Communicating: Communication Skills for the Information Age, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill Australia, 1999.