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 uses analytic models and cross-national evidence to explore elections, voting and the mass media in three case study countries—the USA, United Kingdom and Australia. The unit's cross-national, comparative structure is designed to impart important methodological lessons as well as area knowledge, since models of electoral attitudes and behaviour have different explanatory power in different national contexts, where distinctive electoral systems and rules impact on both party strategies and voter responses to those stratagems. The result is an advanced unit that exposes students to a substantial cross-section of the analytic models that have dominated electoral research in the last 25 years.
A central theme in the unit is the relationship between electoral politics and the mass media. The unit explores in depth the implications of changing electoral behaviour for media-based campaigns, electoral strategies and advertising. It also examines research into the impact of television and Internet technologies on political attitudes voter decision making. Other topics include class voting, party identification, political participation and turnout, split-ticket and minor party voting, issue and economic voting, mass media behavioural effects, candidate-centred voting, media strategies and campaign appeals, the impact of television and web technologies, and the changing nature of political campaigns.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) communicate an understanding of the study of electoral politics as a subfield within political science, in particular, explain and engage critically with, the conceptual frameworks, techniques of investigation, core generalisations and key debates associated with the subfield; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which conceptions of voter decision making have developed across time; (3) apply relevant explanatory frameworks to the analysis of electoral behaviour in Australia, the USA and the United Kingdom; (4) explain how electoral behaviour, party strategies and media effects are influenced by different electoral systems; (5) communicate independently generated arguments and critical analysis of published research in a coherent and logical manner in both written and oral forms; (6) work collaboratively on substantial research or analytical tasks as a member of a small group, providing and assimilating critical commentary; (7) demonstrate research skills appropriate for locating, assessing and making sophisticated use of relevant primary and secondary materials; (8) demonstrate advanced skills of problem analysis and critical reasoning, strongly informed by relevant theory; and (9) undertake independent, enquiry-based learning and research which reflects advanced knowledge of the subfield.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written work; (2) tutorial participation; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- any Level 2 Political Science and International Relations unit
- Incompatibility
- POLS2223 Elections, Mass Media and Politics
- Contact hours
- lectures: 20 hours
tutorials: 9 hours
- 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.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- 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.