GOVT3644: Semester 1, 2026

Units GOVT3644 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

GOVT3644: Political Campaigning

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit focuses on the art and science of running political campaigns. Based around a problem-oriented learning approach with an applied project, the course provides a primer on situational analysis, campaign planning, resource mobilisation, issue framing, and persuasion. The course considers overt and covert strategies for political change, including positive and negative messaging, with students evaluating a campaign opportunity and developing a for-implementation campaign plan in response through team-based work.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Government and International Relations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christopher Pepin-Neff, chris.pepin-neff@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	In-class Task on Readings In-class individual task on Weeks 1-4 readings	10%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2026 at 23:59	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Opposition Research Memo Using the readings, produce an Opposition Research Memo on microplastics, specific to the parameters of your state field desk (each student will campaign for a state or territory in Australia on this topic)	35%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2026 at 23:59	2,000 words (not including citations)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	TikTok Commercial Produce a 1-minute, original commercial for a social media platform (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) that communicates a clear political or social message to a defined audience	25%	Week 09 Due date: 29 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1 minute	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Group Campaign Press Conference Scenario-based Q&A press conference (with a wild-card twist)	30%	Week 12 Due date: 20 May 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit of study have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Political Campaigning	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Readings and introductions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Political Autopsy: Elements of Political Issue	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Issue and Stakeholder Mapping: Case Study Review of Microplastics in Australia	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The Ethical Dark Arts: Opposition Research	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Facts and Fiascos: Media Messaging & Crisis Scenarios	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Polling, Public Opinion, & Fundraising	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Simulation 1: Campaign Plan Development and Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Simulation 2: Group TikTok Campaign Ad Development and Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Simulation 3: In-Class Polling Exercise and Group Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Simulation 4: In-Class Lobbying the Professor! “Making The Ask” in Group Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Simulation 5: Making a Shadow Organisation and Group Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Simulation 6: In-Class Group Press Conference Assessment w/ twists	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Simulation 7: In-Class Debate between Groups and FINAL RECOUNT w/ Guest Judges	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Readings and group work	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

According to FASS policy, students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 percent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority.

The case of any formally enrolled student who is absent from 50 percent or more of classes, regardless of the reasons for the absence, will be automatically referred to the end-of-semester departmental examiners’ meeting for a determination as to whether the student should pass or fail the unit, or, if a pass is awarded, the level of penalty that should be applied.

Attendance at both lectures and tutorials will be noted. Listening to a lecture recording is not a substitute for attendance.

Students concerned about their attendance at lectures (for example, due to a timetable clash with another unit) should contact me (as the Unit Coordinator) as soon as possible.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings are noted in the Syllabus reading list and on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate understanding of academic research to generate informed insights and apply evidence-based models to campaign activities, including voter behaviour, political narratives, and campaign messaging.
LO2. Analyse contemporary political campaign strategies using key concepts to demonstrate critical evaluation.
LO3. Evaluate ethical implications of campaign tactics, including digital, data-driven, and grassroots methods.
LO4. Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to different audiences through written, oral, and digital formats.
LO5. Demonstrate creative thinking and team work in considering campaign plans that integrate message framing, audience needs, and multimodal communication techniques suitable for real-world political environments.
LO6. Reflect critically on the professional, ethical, and personal responsibilities involved in political campaigning, demonstrating awareness of power, representation, and the impact of political persuasion.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

Additional information

Please consult with the Unit of Study Syllabus - referred to as "The Shark" document for GOVT3644 for additional details on this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

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