University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Politics and International Relations

Semester 2 2020 unit of study availability

Some Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences units of study originally intended to run in Semester 2, 2020 are no longer available.

A full and up-to-date list of units of study available in Semester 2, 2020 from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, can be found on this webpage.
 

Politics and International Relations

The Politics and International Relations stream within the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies requires a maximum of 120 credit points from this table including:
(i) A a maximum of 120 credit points program in Politics and International Relations

Politics and International Relations program

Achievement of the program in Politics and International Relations requires a maximum of 120 credit points from this table including:
(i) A 48 credit point major in Politics and International Relations
(ii) A minimum of 18 credit points of stream-specific units
(iii) A minimum of 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units
(iv) Completion of either Honours or Advanced Coursework.
* Students who exit after 144 credit points receive a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations).

Politics and International Relations major*

A major in Politics and International Relations requires 48 credit points, including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 18 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) A minimum of 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units
(iv) A minimum of 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units
*This major is only available students who are eligible to withdraw from the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations) stream after 3 years of study (144 credit points) will exit with a Politics and International Relations major.

1000-level units of study

Stream-specific

GOVT1601 Contemp Issues in Pols and Int Relations I

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x 1500wd Essay: Background Paper (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay: Analysis (30%), 1x 2500wd Essay:Solutions (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit students develop critical problem-solving skills by engaging them with contemporary issues in politics and international relations. Unit content is based on issues at the forefront of the news cycle. Lectures introduce the various ways in which academic researchers and public intellectuals respond to world events. Tutorials allow the students an opportunity to discuss potential solutions with tutors and peers. Suggested topics could include, Brexit, Trump presidency, the Syrian War, leadership spills, same-sex marriage, and populism.

Major Core

GOVT1621 Introduction to International Relations

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x 1000wd Essay (20%), 1x 1500wd Essay (30%), 1x 2hr (2000 wd equivalent) Exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with a foundational understanding in two key areas of international relations. First students will gain an understanding of the history of the international political and economic system, and the forces, events, and processes that have shaped the contemporary international system. Second, students will be introduced to the main theories of international relations and explore how these help explain the forces that shape international relations.
GOVT1641 Introduction to Politics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x 1000wd Research Exercise (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), Participation (10%), 1x 1.5hr Examination (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
What is politics? What is political science? How can we compare political systems? This unit introduces key political institutions, organisations, processes, activities and ideologies and how these differ between countries. It explains different approaches to political science, using examples from a range of countries, including Australia.

Selective

GOVT1661 Politics and Popular Culture

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 4x 250wd Online and in-lecture quizzes (25%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1.5hr Exam (35%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
We can understand contemporary debates in politics and international relation via studying popular culture. The unit is based on three core concepts: power, identity and conflict. After introducing major theories and definitions the unit will apply them in multifaceted ways to popular culture: from House of Cards to Borgen, and from Eurovision to Game of Thrones.

2000-level units of study

Stream-specific
GOVT2901 Contemp Issues in Pols and Int Relations II

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week, attendance at unit workshop for presentatons Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in GOVT and a minimum of 36 credit points Assessment: 1x 4500wd Group Project (60%), 1x 800wd Group Presentation (30%), 1x 700wd equivalent Workshop Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed to develop students real-world problem-solving skills in a team setting. Students will work in teams to devise solutions to case studies of contemporary problems (e.g. wars, natural disasters, economic and diplomatic crises). Student groups will analyse cases and consider how different problems at both the domestic and international level are framed by interactions between social, cultural, political and economic institutions (including governments, aid agencies, the United Nations and others).
Major Core
GOVT2921 Intermediate International Relations

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in GOVT and a minimum of 36 credit points Assessment: 1x 1500 Essay (25%), 1x 1500 Essay (25%), 1x 1500 Essay (25%), 1x 1500 Essay (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the main areas, processes, actors and structures involved in contemporary international relations. The unit is designed to build on the theoretical and historical knowledge the students have acquired in the Level One unit, Introduction to International Relations, and develops the students' understanding of the international system. The unit covers four main areas; international security, international organisations, international political economy, international law.
GOVT2941 Making Policy in Political Context

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in GOVT and a minimum of 36 credit points Assessment: 1x1500wd Policy Assessment (25%), 1x2500wd Policy Change Proposal (45%), 1x500wd Policy Briefing Note (20%), 1x Tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Public policy is about what governments do or choose not to do. This unit explores how public policy is formulated, implemented and evaluated, and what governance processes are typically followed. It also covers circumstances under which governments may choose to abstain from taking policy action. This unit examines a range of approaches to the study of public policy in both theory and practice and in the context of national and international politics, with both an Australian and comparative focus.
GOVT2991 Political Analysis

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in GOVT and a minimum of 36 credit points Prohibitions: GOVT2091 Assessment: 4x375wd tutorial exercises (30%), 1x2000wd essay (35%), 1x1hr exam (25%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the diversity of theoretical and methodological approaches used by politics and international relations scholars. 'What is politics?' and 'how can we understand it?' are questions used to explore conceptual approaches, ranging from behaviouralism to feminism, and the way in which social science research is designed and conducted.

3000-level units of study

Stream-specific
GOVT3601 Essential Texts in Politics and IR

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 24 credit points at 2000-level in the Politics and International Relations stream, including GOVT2901 and a minimum of 78 credit points Assessment: 1x1500wd Exam (40%), 1x2000wd Essay (35%), 1x1000wd Essay (25%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with an advanced understanding of core texts in Politics and International Relations. Students will explore these key texts through an in-depth, and rigorous reading of primary material. An active engagement with the founding texts will enable students to deepen their knowledge of the discipline and how it has developed in relation to key events in Politics and International Relations. Seminar discussions will be based on the method of close textual analysis.
Interdisciplinary project unit of study
Where this major is being completed as a first major towards a degree, students should ensure that the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study is undertaken.
Where this major is being completed as a second major from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences towards a degree, the Industry and Community Project unit of study is the appropriate unit to select.
GOVT3900 Interdisciplinary Impact

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Completion of at least 90 credit points Prohibitions: Interdisciplinary Impact in another major Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Interdisciplinarity is a key skill in fostering agility in life and work. This unit provides learning experiences that build students' skills, knowledge and understanding of the application of their disciplinary background to interdisciplinary contexts. In this unit, students will work in teams and develop interdisciplinarity skills through problem-based learning projects responding to 'real world problems'.
GOVT3898 Industry and Community Project

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive February,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: Interdisciplinary Impact in any major. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 1,Semester 2
This unit is designed for third year students to undertake a project that allows them to work with one of the University's industry and community partners. Students will work in teams on a real-world problem provided by the partner. This experience will allow students to apply their academic skills and disciplinary knowledge to a real-world issue in an authentic and meaningful way.
Selective
GOVT3622 Politics of Intl Economic Relations

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2221 or GOVT2201 Assessment: Tutorial particpation (10%), 1x 10-15 minute oral presentation equivalent to 500wd Tutorial presentation (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 2hr (2000 wd equivalent) Exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an advanced overview of the theory and practice of economic relations by and between states. It considers the four major theoretical approaches to international political economy: economic nationalism, liberalism, neo-Marxism and poststructuralism. The unit focuses in particular on relations between the developed and developing world by applying each of the four main theories to developing country regions. Through a comparative regional analysis, students are acquainted with and critique the theoretical basis and practice of economic development.
GOVT3623 Non-state Actors in Global Politics

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: Seminar Participation (10%), 1x 1000wd Group presentation (20%), 1x 3000wd Research Essay (40%), 1x 2hr Final Exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Looking beyond the nation state reveals a wide array of actors contributing to global governance. NGOs, transnational civil society, corporations and transnational armed groups are central to questions of 'who governs' in an increasingly globalised world. In studying these actors, this unit will examine where power lies in global politics, the legitimacy of non-state actors, and the role they perform. It will demonstrate that non-state actors can create issues, set agendas and establish rules that are seen as legitimate by other political actors.
GOVT3625 Global Health, Politics and Security

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2500wd Essay (40%), 1x1000wd Short answer exam (40%), Tutorial group presentation (10%), 1x1000wd Tutorial presentation report (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will introduce students to the contemporary challenges surrounding global health (i. e. pandemics, access to medicines, etc), the institutions and actors that govern and shape global health, and how different ideas, concepts and language influence how we understand health issues and how best to respond to them.
GOVT3631 Politics of the Global South

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in the International Relations major or 12 credit points at 2000 level in the Politics and International Relations stream Assessment: 1x1000wd Policy Paper (20%), 1x2000wd Major Essay (40%), 1x1.5hr Final Exam (30%), x Tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This Unit will explore the political, economic, social and developmental challenges of countries in the Global South. Students will examine the changing place of these countries in the global political economy, as well their importance in debates about human rights, democracy and security. The Unit will focus on the events and processes that have shaped the current contours of the Global South, including the Cold War, development narratives, foreign aid, humanitarian intervention, globalisation and the rise of the BRICs countries.
GOVT3641 Government, Business and Society

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2558 Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), 1x 1000wd Case study (20%), 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1.5hr (1500 wd equivalent) Exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Modern corporations have multiple roles and responsibilities. They perform functions for which states were once responsible, and are political and social as well as market actors. This unit provides students with theoretical and methodological approaches to explore how political agendas are set as well as influenced by corporate decision-making, and an advanced understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities and impacts of business.
GOVT3643 Emotions and Public Policy

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prohibitions: GOVT2015 Assessment: Tutorial Participation (10%), 1x1500wd Case Study Research Paper (25%), 1x2000wd Final Essay (50%), 1x1000wd Essay proposal (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Emotional policy issues dominate much of the agenda setting process. From shark culls following shark bites, to lock-out laws following "King Hit" tragedies, the way emotional episodes place pressures on policymakers and short-circuit the policymaking process are a critical area of modern public policy analysis. This unit focuses on the role of emotions in policymaking. Themes across the literature include the role of risk and affect on agenda setting, the use of policy instruments, and policy design to influence behaviour as well as social movement mobilisation and media salience.
GOVT3651 Politics of China

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2424 or GOVT2402 Assessment: 1x 1000wd Exam (30%), 1x 2500wd Essay (40%), 1x Tutorial Participation (10%), 1x 500wd Tutorial debate (10%), 3x 500wd In-class quizzes (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces the government and politics of modern China. The primary focus will be on ideology, leadership, institutions and political processes of the People's Republic. We explore politics of social groups, major issue areas in Chinese politics, the Cultural Revolution and the politics of reform.
GOVT3652 Environmental Politics in Australia

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2614 Assessment: 1x 500wd Topical Literature Survey (10%), 1x 750wd Mid-term Take-home Exam (15%), 1x 750wd End-of-term Take-home Exam (15%), 1x 2500wd Research Paper (50%), 1x Tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit offers an advanced examination of environmental politics in Australia. It will provide a survey of the various issues, stakeholders and movements at the forefront of key environmental debates, including analysis of the theory and discourses of the environment, and an examination of policy implementation.
GOVT3653 The Australian Political Party System

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2114 or GOVT2104 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Essay (40%), 1x 1000wd Website review (20%), 1x 1.5hr (1500 wd equivalent) Examination (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit examines the Australian party system, including colonial-era pre-party politics, the development of major parties (Labor, Liberal and National) and minor parties (Greens, One Nation etc), parties and ideology, parties and social movements, internal party politics, parties and the law, parties and elections, parties and parliamentary politics, and parties and public policy. Emphasis is placed on how theoretical and comparative models of political parties help to explain Australian party politics.
GOVT3654 Capitalism and Democracy in East Asia

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2611 or GOVT2411 Assessment: 1x 2500wd Essay (40%), 3x 500wd equivalent In-class quizzes (10%), 1x 1000wd Examination (30%), 1x 500wd equivalent Tutorial debate (10%), x Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will shed light on the springs of change in politics and economics and their intersections in East Asia, which includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The unit examines the political and economic transformation in the region. Among the major issues considered are: Are East Asia's political institutions distinctive? How does economic change affect political power and the state? Will democratisation and globalisation undermine the distinctive traditions of the region?
GOVT3655 Latin American Politics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2013 Assessment: 1x 1500wd Essay 1 (25%), 1x 1500wd Essay 2 (25%), Participation (10%), 1x 1.5hr (1500 wd equivalent) Final Exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit addresses the comparative politics of Latin America. It explores the dynamics of political and economic change in the region during the 20th and 21st centuries, examining topics such as military rule, democratisation, political parties, institutional design, social movements, and strategies for development. Drawing on diverse theoretical perspectives, it considers broad regional patterns and sources of variation among countries.
GOVT3661 Politics of the Pacific region

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
GOVT3664 Key Concepts in Political Thought

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2616 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Major Essay (40%), 1x 750wd Learning Diary (10%), 1x 2hr Final Exam (40%), 1x Tutorial Partcipation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
What enables us as political animals to live together in political communities? This unit examines key concepts underpinning our contemporary political life handed down to us through centuries of political thought; from the Athenian city-state to contemporary reflections on identity. Some of the concepts and problematiques explored may include: the state; sovereignty; the political; liberty; property; the citizen vs. the subject, reasons vs. the passions.
GOVT3665 Collateral Damage and The Cost of Conflict

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x 1200wd equivalent Research proposal (20%), 1x 1800wd equivalent Progress report (30%), 1x 3000wd Research paper (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit will discusses all aspects of the cost of international security conflict, including collateral damage. By cost of war, the unit refers to the material, human, cultural, social, institutional, and development impact of war and security conflict. Each student will chose one angle of the cost of conflict, and develop her/his own research agenda, as she/he applies the theoretical knowledge gained from the literature to empirical world.
GOVT3671 Australian Foreign and Security Policy

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week Prohibitions: GOVT2116 or GOVT2106 Assessment: 1x2500wd Essay (50%), 1x1hr Exam (30%), 1x1000wd Presentation(10%), Participation (10%), Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines Australia's foreign and security policies since Federation, with a focus on contemporary issues such as defence planning and operations and engagement with the global economy. We explore Canberra's stance on terrorism, nuclear affairs, asylum seekers, and global environmental management.
GOVT3672 American Politics and Foreign Policy

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in GOVT or 12 credit points at 2000 level in American Studies Prohibitions: GOVT2405 or GOVT2445 Assessment: 1x 2000wd Research essay (40%), 8x 500wd Reading quizzes (10%), 1x 2hr Final Exam (40%), x Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an overview of the American political system and the formulation of foreign policy. The unit considers how foreign policy is made through the interaction of executive, legislative and judicial branches and with other elements of civil society, with a special emphasis on the post-Cold War period. It seeks to answer: (a) what is the influence of domestic politics on US foreign policy; and (b) how does the US system cope with the apparent contradictions between its ideals and the imperatives of global power?
GOVT3901 Digital Politics

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Government and International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 4x700wd blog (60%), 1x1.5hr final exam (30%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This course will examine how advancement in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can lead to social and political change, particularly in developing nations. Can the Internet make societies more democratic? Does ICT empower the people or enable state surveillance? We will compare and contrast how ICT expansion affects different types of political regimes. Case studies of global and local movements will be analyzed.
GOVT3980 Democracy and Dictatorship

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 2x1500wd analytical essay (60%), 1x1.5 hr final exam (30%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The end of the Cold War marks the victory of democracy as the 'best' political system in the world. Yet many existing democracies today are fledgling and of poor quality and are at risk of breaking down. This unit will examine advanced theoretical and empirical debates about the origin, development and collapse of democracies since the 20th century. It also focuses in-depth on understanding why some authoritarian regimes remain resilient despite an ongoing global trend towards democratization.
GOVT3984 Policy and Politics of Governing Cities

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1 hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Government and International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1000wd issue paper (25%), 1x2500wd options paper (40%), 1x1hr exam (25%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Over half the world's population is urban. Economic and social change depends on the vitality, inclusiveness and resilience of cities, which form the locus for public policymaking and politics. This unit focuses on the policy and politics of governing cities, which require mediation between multiple and competing interests and needs. Themes include citizen participation, equity, and innovation; contending theories about power relations between the actors, institutions and interests of urban politics; and how these relate to the strategies adopted.
GOVT3986 Gender, Security and Human Rights

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level International Relations or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2336 Assessment: 800wd Essay proposal (15%) and 2000wd Essay (35%) and 1hr exam (30%) and Tutorial participation (10%) and 4x175wd tutorial quizzes (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit offers a gender perspective on human rights, with a focus on gender and insecure international contexts. The unit covers themes related to the challenges of pursuing human rights, violations of human rights, and the role of civil society groups in advocating human rights. Attention will be given to the gendered nature of human rights and to specific issues that impact men and women differently when it comes to human rights protection and promotion.
GOVT3987 Comparative Public Sector Management

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points in Politics or 12 credit points in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2557 Assessment: 1x2250wd Research essay (50%), 1.5hr exam (35%), 750wd equivalent group presentation and peer review (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit explores how the public sector sets policy and delivers public services. It begins by using the main concepts and theories of public management and governance to assess the various trade offs that are involved in designing and implementing different types of public sector reform. These theories are then applied to evaluate specific reform initiatives and compare reform patterns between different countries and across different policy sectors. Topics include: public administration, privatisation, performance management, partnership working and community engagement.
GOVT3988 Globalisation, Governance and the State

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2440 Assessment: 1x1hr 1000wd equivalent Mid-semester test (20%), 1x2000wd Essay (40%), Tutorial participation (10%), 1x1.5hr Final exam (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Globalisation is posited as a process of deep change to the international order, one that restructures the role of the state (internally and externally), and has implications for a wide range of actors (international institutions, corporations, interest groups and individuals). One argument is that this erodes the capacity of national, and sub-national governments to manage economic and social change. In response to these concerns, this unit will appraise the debates about the impact of globalisation and state power erosion.
GOVT3989 Divided Societies

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2500wd Research essay (50%), 1x2hr exam (40%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit critically examines the role that ethnic conflict plays in national and international politics. Students will have advanced knowledge of nationalism, and close familiarity with current thinking around the role of the ethnic nationalism in particular. This unit will analyse the most influential theories, historical and contemporary, about the role of ethnic nationalism (as opposed to civic nationalism), regionally and internationally. We will consider a range of competing theoretical approaches, concentrating on the theory of a "divided society".
GOVT3990 Islam and Democracy in the Muslim World

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2774 Assessment: 1x2000wd Essay (40%), 1x1hr exam (30%), 1x1000wd equivalent group Oral Presentation (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines why there is no clear consensus on the status of Islam and sharia (Islamic law) within the state, constitution and political system. It will also consider whether the secular democratic state is consistent with Islamic principles such as adil (justice) and maslaha (common good). The unit highlights the linkages between historical, political and cultural Islam and the emergence of discourses which provide a contextual understanding of the faith.
GOVT3993 Power

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture-seminar/week, 1x1hr lecture-seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT3991 Assessment: 1x1000wd Essay (2x15%), 2500wd Essay (50%), Seminar and online participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Power is the essential concept of political science, which is the systematic study of politics. Bertrand Russell, perhaps the greatest mind of the 20th Century, said power is the central concept of all the social sciences. Students explore this concept in different parts of political science and survey some debates on power, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of concepts of power. There are three themes in this unit. The first is the distribution of power in society. The second is power in comparative politics and the third is power in international relations. The emphasis is on the nature, sources and use of power.
GOVT3996 Science, Tech and International Security

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: 12 Senior credit points in Government and International Relations, including GOVT2225 or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT2618 Assessment: 1x1.5hr Exam (25%), 1x4000wd analytical Essay (50%), 1x500wd equivalent group presentation (10%), Seminar participation (15%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Science and technology have been intimately involved with security ever since mankind discovered fire and started using tools. This interdisciplinary unit considers how scientific facts and technical artifacts influence security and, conversely, how security influences science and technology. Through advanced reading, independent research, seminar discussions, and other exercises, students will analyze and apply a wide variety of perspectives - strategic, organizational, cultural, and ethical, among others - to evaluate the complex relationship between modern science, advanced technology, and international security.
GOVT3997 Parliament and Democracy

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1250wd Short Paper (25%), 1x1250wd Draft Inquiry Submission (25%), 1x2000wd Critical Analysis Paper (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Just how important are parliaments to democracy? This unit takes a critical look at how well Australian parliaments carry out their representative, law-making and accountability functions. Analytical material will be complemented by practical insights from members and staff of the NSW Parliament.
GOVT3998 Aboriginal and TSI Politics and Policy

This unit of study is not available in 2020

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture, 1x1hr tutorial Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Diversity Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Indigenous Studies or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1500wd Case Analysis Essay (30%), 1x800wd Policy Case Presentation (10%), 1x2200wd Final Summative Essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Builds on students' knowledge of Australian politics to examine the background, context, conduct and implications of politics relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and policy affecting indigenous Australians. Explores aspects of inclusion and exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the formal political system; internal power relations within and between communities, social movements and representative bodies; compare Australian indigenous politics with those of other nations, and; look at a range of policy areas.
GOVT3999 Terrorism and Organised Crime

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 2000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 2000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1hr mid-semester exam (20%), 1x1hr final in-class exam (20%), 1x2500wd briefing paper (50%), tutorial Participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The unit serves as a rigorous investigation of the politics of violent and criminal non-state actors. It will start with a conceptual discussion of such groups, focusing on analysis of their structure and behaviour and the roles that globalisation and technology play in non-state threats, before moving on to specific types of dark networks. The dark networks that may be covered include terrorist organisations, non-state nuclear proliferation networks, and various forms of organised crime, including maritime piracy, drug trafficking, mafias, mundane smuggling, and money laundering.