This course examines Australian politics from a historical perspective, beginning with the autocracy of the colonial governors and extending to the present day. It explores the foundation and working of democracy, the formation of the party system, and the relationship of politics to broader transformations in society. The first part follows a chronological structure, while the second examines a range of themes including federalism, state government, rural politics, Indigenous politics, the media and the role of emotions in political mobilisation. The aim is to provide students with a historical grounding in the main political trends, personalities, and ideologies since 1788.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- explain the origins and development of institutions, practices and ideologies in Australian politics
- identify change and continuity in Australian politics across more than two centuries
- analyse the relationship between political stability and change, and broader transformations in Australian society and culture
- appreciate the capacity of historical approaches to generate insights into the political past and present
- locate and interpret primary sources, and use them in constructing coherent and persuasive historical questions and answers
- locate and evaluate secondary authorities, and use them to construct coherent and persuasive historical questions and answers
Indicative Assessment
1st Essay 2000 words (40%): Assesses learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6
2nd Essay 2500 words (50%): Assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
Tutorial participation (10%): Assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One two-hour lecture and one one-hour tutorial per week. Students will be expected to spend an average of seven hours per week outside these contact hours to prepare for tutorials, research and write the essays.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
tutorial readings will be made available to students via WATTLE
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2718 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3876 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4306 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
