University of Sydney Handbooks - 2021 Archive

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Politics

Unit outlines will be available through Find a unit outline two weeks before the first day of teaching for 1000-level and 5000-level units, or one week before the first day of teaching for all other units.
 

Politics

Major

A major in Politics requires 48 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units*
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units**
(iii) 18 credit points of 3000-level selective units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units

Minor

A minor in Politics requires 36 credit points from this table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units*
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units**
(iii) 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units
*1000-level and 2000-level selective units can replace 1000- level core units where those units have already been completed in another major.
**2000-level selective units can replace 2000-level core units where those units have already been completed in another major.

1000-level units of study

Core
GOVT1641 Introduction to Politics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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.
GOVT1621 Introduction to International Relations

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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.
Selective
GOVT1661 Politics and Popular Culture

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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

Core
GOVT2941 Making Policy in Political Context

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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.
Selective
GOVT2111 Human Rights and Australian Politics

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations or Socio-legal studies Prohibitions: GOVT2101 Assessment: 1x2500wd briefing paper (30%), 1x2hr exam (50%), Tutorial participation (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to the notion of human rights, outlines international human rights enforcement mechanisms and the application of human rights standards in Australia. Throughout the unit we consider the evolution of human rights in Australia and raise questions about the adequacy of Australia's existing human rights machinery, and examine the reasons for Australia's reluctance to adopt a Bill of Rights. We examine government policies toward the indigenous Australians, women and refugees. We also consider current legislative changes to combat terrorism and consider the implications of these changes on Australian's civil rights.
GOVT2112 Modern Political Thought

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or International Relations or 12 credit points in Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Philosophy or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1500wd Mid-semester Take-home exercise (30%), 1x2500wd final Essay (60%) and Tutorial participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit considers key themes in modern and contemporary political thought. It uses primary texts to address topics such as sovereignty, democracy, fascism, liberalism, human rights, politics and religion, violence, and political identity. Authors may include Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Kant, Nietzsche, Marx, J.S. Mill, Tocqueville, Rawls, Arendt, Schmitt, and Foucault.
GOVT2117 Comparative Politics

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 senior credit points from Government and International Relations Prohibitions: GOVT1107 Assessment: 2x 1500wd Short Essay (50%), 1x 1.5hr Final Exam (40%), 1x Participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit deepens students' understanding of major concepts and theories of comparative politics. Drawing on examples from various world regions and employing a variety of theoretical perspectives, this unit examines big issues such as democratisation, development, electoral systems, and ethnic conflict. Students will learn about key political science concepts such as the state, regimes, institutional design, and civil society, and will develop basic skills in comparative analysis.
GOVT2119 Southeast Asia: Dilemmas of Development

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Asian Studies Prohibitions: GOVT2109 Assessment: 1x1400wd Essay (30%), 2x 1hr Exam (40%), 1xTutorial presentation equivalent to 900wd (20%), Tutorial participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Until the 1997 East Asian economic/financial crisis, Southeast Asia was acclaimed as one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regional economies in the Asia-Pacific sphere. Not surprisingly, the region has attracted enormous interest from social scientists and the wider business community in Australia. However, there is limited consensus about the causes for the region's economic performance and socio-political trajectory during the 'boom' and 'post-boom' years. This unit aims to place the region's economic experiences and socio-political changes within a broader historical and comparative context. Such an approach allows us to better appreciate the economic continuities, understand the major socio-political dilemmas and changing patterns of development.
GOVT2120 New Zealand and Pacific Politics

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations Assessment: 1x1100wd case study, short paper (30%), 1x1700wd comparative analysis essay (35%), 1x1700wd policy/governance report (35%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Using the comparative method, this unit examines the politics of New Zealand and a number of significant Pacific nations. The unit examines these nations' political cultures, structures and history, and explores regional governance and regionally-significant policy issues.
GOVT2228 Environmental Politics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in the Politics or International Relations or Government and International Relations or Environmental Studies majors Prohibitions: GOVT2208 Assessment: 1x1000wd Short Essay (20%), 1x2000wd Major Essay (40%), 1x1.5hr Examination (30%), 1xTutorial participation (10%) Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Environmental issues pose increasingly difficult challenges to our societies. What is the nature of these challenges? Where have they come from? How have political institutions adapted to them, at the national and international levels? What further changes might be necessary to better meet them? How might these changes come about? What effects might they have on the future of politics? This unit of study will engage these kinds of questions as an introduction to some theoretical and practical dimensions of environmental politics.
GOVT2603 Media Politics and Political Communication

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Government and International Relations Assessment: 2000wd essays (2x45%) and in-class quiz (10%) Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is primarily about news, its production, contents and impacts. It will examine the special demands of different news organisations and of reporting different news areas; the news media as an arena in political conflicts and the consequent interests and strategies of various groups in affecting news content; and the impacts of news on political processes and relationships. Our primary focus is on Australia, but there is some comparison with other affluent liberal democracies. The substantive areas the unit will focus on include election reporting, scandals and the reporting of war and terrorism.
PHIL2634 Democratic Theory

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (12 Junior credit points in Philosophy) or (6 Junior credit points in Philosophy and ANHS1600) Prohibitions: PHIL2514 or PHIL3514 Assessment: presentation (10%), 1x2000wd Essay (45%) and 1x2000wd Take-home exam (45%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
A unit in normative political philosophy. The unit will examine ideas of democracy, as well as historical foundations of these ideas, and it will do so in order to address key issues in contemporary democratic theory, such as the tension between republican and liberal ideas, the relationship between justice and democracy, the challenges of social and cultural pluralism, the limits of democratic inclusion, and, importantly, the nature of political legitimacy and the challenge of a suitably inclusive justification of political principles.
USSC2602 US Politics: Elections, Presidents, Laws

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points at 1000 level in American Studies Prohibitions: USSC1602 Assessment: 1x2000-2500wd major paper (45%), 1x2hr exam (45%) and participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces students to US political institutions and political culture. The unit will examine the electoral system and recent presidential elections as well as presidencies from 1960 onwards. It will explore US public policies in the area of race, welfare, and criminal justice and analyse how policy ideas and proposals come into law. It will also introduce the dominant ideologies in US politics. By the end of the unit students will have a comprehensive understanding of American Domestic politics.

3000-level units of study

Selective
GOVT3641 Government, Business and Society

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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

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: GOVT2424 or GOVT2402 Assessment: 1x1000wd exam (30%), 1x2500wd essay (40%), tutorial participation (10%), 1x500wd tutorial debate (10%), 3x500wd in-class quizzes (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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.
Textbooks
Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units
GOVT3652 Environmental Politics in Australia

This unit of study is not available in 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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: 1x2000wd essay (40%), 1x1000wd website review (20%), 1x1.5hr (1500wd equivalent) examination (40%) Campus: Remote 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

This unit of study is not available in 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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

This unit of study is not available in 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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.
GOVT3664 Key Concepts in Political Thought

This unit of study is not available in 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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.
GOVT3671 Australian Foreign and Security Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr seminar/week Prohibitions: GOVT2116 or GOVT2106 Assessment: 1x2500wd Essay (50%), 1x1hr Exam (30%), 1x1000wd Presentation(10%), Participation (10%), Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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

This unit of study is not available in 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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.
GOVT3987 Comparative Public Sector Management

This unit of study is not available in 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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.
GOVT3989 Divided Societies

This unit of study is not available in 2021

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2500wd Research essay (50%), 1x2hr exam (40%), Tutorial participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney 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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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.
GOVT3995 Politics and Environment: Current Issues

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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 Prohibitions: GOVT2615 Assessment: 2x750wd Essay (2x25%) and 2500wd Research essay (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The focus of environmental politics often shifts, and this unit will examine key contemporary issues in the field - from the more longstanding to emergent issues just gaining political urgency. The unit will focus on key issues in depth; this may include climate change, environmental justice, food politics, sustainable cities, and/or other timely issues in the Australian or global context. Students will be required to do intensive research in a relevant and salient area of interest in environmental politics and policy.
GOVT3997 Parliament and Democracy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units 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%) Campus: Remote 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 2021

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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.
USSC3601 Public Opinion and Voting in the U.S.

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2 hr lecture/week and 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (12 Senior credit points and USSC2602) or 12 credit points at 2000 level in American Studies Assessment: 1x2000wd research project paper (30%), 1x1hr mid-term exam (30%), 1x500wd research project proposal (10%), 1x500wd project presentation (10%), reading responses (10%), tutorial participation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit explores political beliefs and behaviour in the United States. Using survey studies, we explore what Americans know and believe about politics, how their attitudes are formed, and how and why they vote. We look at voting patterns in recent elections and examine how these have been affected by attitudes towards race and party identification.

Interdisciplinary Project unit of study

If you are completing two majors and both of your majors are from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please select the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study for your first major, and the Industry and Community Project unit of study for your second major.
If you are completing two majors but only one of your majors is from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please select the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study for that major.
If you are completing one major only and that major is from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please select the Interdisciplinary Impact unit of study for your major.
GOVT3900 Interdisciplinary Impact

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive December,Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Completion of at least 90 credit points Prohibitions: Interdisciplinary Impact in another major Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive December
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 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive February,Intensive July,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Corequisites: Interdisciplinary Impact in any major. Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Campus: Remote Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This interdisciplinary unit provides students with the opportunity to address complex problems identified by industry, community, and government organisations, and gain valuable experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. In collaboration with a major industry partner and an academic lead, students integrate their academic skills and knowledge by working in teams with students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This experience allows students to research, analyse and present solutions to a real¿world problem, and to build on their interpersonal and transferable skills by engaging with and learning from industry experts and presenting their ideas and solutions to the industry partner.