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 aims to provide an advanced understanding of Australia's institutions of political representation, the core of Australian democracy, by examining them from relevant theoretical and comparative perspectives. It also aims to elucidate ongoing debate—manifested in disagreements about the purposes of elections, electoral systems and political parties and the role of representative institutions in general—over preferred interpretations of the Australian political system and Australian democracy. Topics to be covered include the contribution and limitations of elections; the roles of elected representatives; the debate over direct democracy; electoral system design and the nature and consequences of Australia's complex electoral systems; the evolution of the political party; Australia's parties in historical and comparative perspective; contemporary debate over the need for reform of political parties; and the concept of a party system and its application in comparative analysis. The principal focus is Australia but a number of other advanced democracies are selectively examined to illustrate diverse aspects of the politics of representation.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) explain, and engage critically with, the conceptual frameworks, techniques of investigation, core generalisations and key debates associated with the subfield; (2) identify and describe the main features of Australia's institutions of representation; (3) identify key issues in the design of electoral systems and explain the consequences of different designs, with particular reference to Australia; (4) describe models developed to capture the evolution of political parties in developed democracies and apply these to Australian experience; (5) show how comparison can illuminate understanding of distinctive aspects, and strengths and weaknesses in the design of Australian institutions of representation; (6) demonstrate an informed understanding of contemporary debates about Australian institutions of representation and the facts and values on which these draw; (7) demonstrate an appreciation of the ways particular conceptions of democracy have shaped the design of Australian institutions of representation and continue to influence efforts to redesign particular institutions; (8) communicate independently generated arguments and critical analysis of published research in a coherent and logical manner in both written and oral forms; (9) work collaboratively on substantial research or analytical tasks as a member of a small group, providing and assimilating critical commentary; (10) demonstrate research skills appropriate for locating, assessing and making sophisticated use of relevant primary and secondary materials; (11) demonstrate advanced skills of problem analysis and critical reasoning, strongly informed by relevant theory; and (12) undertake independent, enquiry-based learning and research which reflects advanced knowledge of the subfield.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) written assignments; 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
- POLS2203 Australian Democracy: Institutions and Interpretations
- 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.