This course examines the central issues in comparative political institutions across a range of jurisdictions and from a variety of perspectives. The course introduces core political institutions and discusses various approaches to their study. It deals with key concepts (majoritarian democracy vs consociationalism etc.) and institutional arrangements in a historical and comparative perspective. The course develops skills to equip student researchers with the conceptual tools to undertake insightful, critical, and original comparative work of their own in their final assessment. The overall aim of the course is to develop students' understanding and use of many general theoretical explanations surrounding debates in political institutions and to develop students' critical/analytical approach to many of the questions facing practitioners and scholars in the next decade.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- identify the concepts that influence the dynamics of political institutions;
- understand the sources of these concepts and their historical development;
- use these concepts in order to critically research, analyse, and evaluate major issues in political institutions; and
- develop skills for research, argument, and analysis in order to effectively communicate their own perspectives on key concepts and issues in political institutions.
Research-Led Teaching
Adaptations to the class structure may occur at the margin though discussions of research interests with students.
Required Resources
Resources for this unit will be provided either on the Wattle site or through the ANU Library system. We will be relying on web resources and electronic journals. Some further materials will be provided in class.
Recommended Resources
Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.
ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- verbal feedback
- written feedback
- in-class feedback
- individual feedback in consultations
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Other Information
The information provided is a preliminary Class Outline. A finalised version will be available on Wattle and will be accessible after enrolling in this course. All updates, changes and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle site and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convenor.
Referencing requirements
In-text referencing or footnotes are acceptable. Referencing must be consistent and meet School and College guidelines. These will be discussed in class. All assignments should include a reference list in alphabetical order. Any evidence of un-referenced direct quotation will be heavily penalised and deliberate plagiarism will be dealt with according to ANU policy.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comparative Method and Institutions | |
| 2 | Regimes and Constitutions | |
| 3 | Executive-legislative relations 1 | |
| 4 | Executive-legislative relations 2 | |
| 5 | Electoral systems | |
| 6 | Party Systems | Literature Review paper |
| 7 | Political Parties | |
| 8 | Parties | |
| 9 | Bureaucracy | |
| 10 | Federalism and Decentralisation | |
| 11 | Policy | Comparative Institutions Paper |
| 12 | Political culture |
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Class presentation | 15 % | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Research Literature Review | 30 % | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Comparative Institutions Paper | 45 % | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Seminar Participation | 10 % | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Examination(s)
There will be no examination for this course.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4
Class presentation
Students will present one of the readings for the week outlining key findings, methods, strengths and weaknesses. They will lead class discussion on the subject
presentation length: 10-15 minutes
Value: 15%
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4
Research Literature Review
Students will select an institution and undertake a systematic review of the literature for that institution. Students will be asked to reflect on how this relates to their own research and what future avenues there are for research. Students are encouraged to select an institution that is directly relevant to their research interests.
Word limit: 1000-1500
Value: 30%
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4
Comparative Institutions Paper
Students will select an institution and at least two country (or sub-nation) cases to compare. In the paper the students will outline intuitional features, evaluate institutional strengths and weaknesses, devise recommendations for reform and future avenues for research . Students are encouraged to selection an institution and cases that relates to their research interests.
Word limit: 2500- 3000
Value: 45%
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4
Seminar Participation
Active participation in class readings, discussions and activities.
Value: 10%
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.
Returning Assignments
Students will be able to access their assignments with grades and feedback on the Wattle site. Assignments will be returned according to College policy.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
Students may be given permission to resubmit assignments in particular circumstances, for example inadvertent plagiarism.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Dr Marija Taflaga
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Instructor
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Dr Marija Taflaga
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