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ATS1945 · Issues in Australian politics and government

Official Handbook

2027 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 1Politics and International Relations

Last checked: 30 Sep 2026 UTC

Overview

In this unit you will explore the politics, government and key issues that challenge the Australian liberal democratic state. You will undertake study of the key theoretical issues and debates in Australian politics and governance and interrogate ideas about power that underpin them, such as: political ideologies; Australian political thought; democracy; voting behaviour; the media; gender; Indigenous politics; social movements; and corruption. You will gain a foundational understanding of the Australian political system.

Areas of study: Politics

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
CaulfieldSecond semesterTeaching is all online (ONLINE)
CaulfieldSecond semesterTeaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS)
ClaytonSecond semesterTeaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS)
ClaytonSecond semesterTeaching is all online (ONLINE)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Annotated bibliographyWritten20%—
2EssayWritten40%—
3ExercisesExercise10%—
4Take home final assessmentWritten30%—

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. identify the political dynamics involved in the mobilisation of individuals and groups seeking power or aiming to influence those in power in Australia;
  2. interpret and analyse key issues and debates in Australian politics;
  3. apply political concepts and theories to analyse interests, ideas, institutions, and political behaviour in Australia;
  4. critically analyse the formation and foundations of the Australian nation state;
  5. critically evaluate different interpretations of political phenomena;
  6. communicate ideas, frameworks, and systems about Australian politics effectively through tutorial engagement and rigorous written analysis.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

ActivityDuration
Lectures12 hours
Workshops24 hours

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