Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces students to the study of comparative politics. It examines the ways in which political systems vary across the world, from ideas to institutional structures to policy outputs. The unit will, at its core, ask students to engage with the core principles of the comparative method. What can be gained through comparison? How does this inform how we should understand our own political beliefs, systems and aspirations? Using these questions, this unit guides students through a number of classic and emerging themes in the discipline of comparative politics. These include the comparative study of race, ethnicity and religion; state institutions and government regimes; and violence, poverty and social movements. What makes Australia different to, or the same as, other countries? Why does it matter? In addressing these questions, the unit seeks to engage with important contemporary debates and issues, such as the rise of populism, the role of money in politics and the capacity of political systems to deal with major crises.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 option in the Political Science and International Relations; Philosophy, Politics and Economics major sequences
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate advanced knowledge about the field of comparative politics and the functions of diverse political ideas, theories, actors and institutions in democratic and non-democratic systems; (2) critically explain and evaluate relevant ideas, theories and concepts that seek to explain cross-national variation in political and policy dynamics; (3) creatively apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to independently and collaboratively address challenges, crises and change in the political world; (4) competently apply basic Political Science methods and skills to designing and executing social research in relation to key topics in comparative politics; and (5) effectively communicate political knowledge, ideas, analyses and arguments about comparative politics in different formats.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) analytical assessment; (2) research assessment; and (3) participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Felix Pal
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- 12 points of Social Sciences and/or Humanities study at level 1
- Advisable prior study
- POLS level 1 units
- Contact hours
- up to 3 hours per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.