This scope course addresses the twin subjects of political leadership and executive government. It approaches these subjects theoretically, methodologically and comparatively. Theoretically, we review the trajectory of the major approaches to the study of leaders and executives that includes institutionalism, feminism and rational choice theory. Methodologically, we will learn about different quantitative and qualitative methods that can be employed to address research questions pertaining to leaders and executives. Finally, we will review the study of leaders and executives comparatively by assessing the leadership and executive experience geographically and institutionally. Additional topics to be addressed may include political communication, non-elected leaders (e.g. advisors and judges) and the executive experience at sub and supranational levels of government.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- describe and critically present the strengths and weaknesses of the major theoretical pillars on which the study of leadership and executive government rests;
- be aware of the different methodological approaches available to study leadership and executives and be able to make an informed choice as to which approach is best suited to their research;
- broadly understand how political leadership and executives vary across time and space, particularly with respect to style, tradition and institutions; and
- be able to write an argument-focused Research paper on a topic pertaining to political leadership and executives.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial/lab participation (10) [LO 1,2]
- Midterm quiz (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research paper, 3000-3500 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final exam (30) [LO 1,2,3]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 12 hours of tutorials; and,
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
N/A minor amendments
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Preliminary Reading
M Kerby (2008) "Worth the Wait: Determinants of Ministerial Appointment in Canada, 1935-2008". Canadian Journal of Political Science, 42:3M Kerby, (2011) "Combining the Hazards of Ministerial Appointment and Ministerial Exit in the Canadian Federal Cabinet" Canadian Journal of Political Science, 44(3).
S. Berlinski, T. Dewan, and K Dowding (2010). "The impact of Individual and collective performance on Ministerial tenure" Journal of Politics, 72(2).
Assumed Knowledge
Students may find that having previously completed POLS1002 is helpful for understanding the key political science concepts employed in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6000 |
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.
