Australian Politics
3 Hours per Week
One Semester or equivalent
Online
Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
Overview
This unit aims to provide students with a critical introduction to the Australian political system; the institutions and actors that comprise it; and the ideas and values that underpin the practice of democratic politics. Students will examine the origins and evolution of these key actors and institutions and consider how they are being challenged and transformed by technological change; new forms of political engagement; and shifting ideas of representation.
Requisites
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Teaching Period 1
Location
Online
Start and end dates
09-March-2026
07-June-2026
07-June-2026
Last self-enrolment date
22-March-2026
Census date
07-April-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
28-April-2026
Results released date
30-June-2026
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
02-November-2026
07-February-2027
07-February-2027
Last self-enrolment date
15-November-2026
Census date
01-December-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
22-December-2026
Results released date
02-March-2027
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and dynamics of the Australian political system
- Apply theoretical models to the analysis of political behaviour in Australia
- Critically evaluate different perspectives on issues and problems
- Perform logical analysis and develop well-informed arguments
Teaching methods
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Class | 1.00 | 4 weeks | 4 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.17 | 12 weeks | 146 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assignment | Individual | 35% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Essay | Individual | 50% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Quizzes | Individual | 15% | 1,3 |
Content
- Political ideologies
- Constitutionalism and constitutional change
- Federalism
- Parliament and responsible government
- Elections and electoral systems
- Political parties and representation
- Political leadership
- Lobbying, interest groups and the media
- Political behaviour and political culture
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.