Politics

The discipline of Politics employs an exciting, vibrant and constantly changing body of ideas, approaches and methods. The Politics program offers subjects in political theory, international relations, Australian politics, comparative politics, the politics of developing countries, public policy, culture and media. Students are advised to study as broadly as possible across the areas offered by the discipline.

The purpose of the major is to acquaint students with key areas of Politics as a discipline. Political study involves examining the origins and nature of consent, authority, and consensus, which underpin social order. Many factors are covered in this examination; political institutions, political economy, culture, class, gender and ethnicity. Politics can and does occur at many levels, from international relations to the nation state, from local communities to the individual.

The study of politics is not just to do with politics in the here and now, but concerns itself with both the past and the future. Whether it is a country being studied, relations between countries, or a body of political ideas, politics engages us with choices about how to live life and how best to contribute to society.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this Major students will be able to:

1. Evaluate different political systems and the contexts in which they operate
2. Critically analyse political issues and policy debates
3. Evaluate the influence of key political thinkers and their influence on contemporary debates
4. Apply different research methods used to investigate political phenomena.

Subjects Required for Major Study

A major in Politics consists of 54 credit points of which 22 credit points are compulsory core subjects (see table below). Students must complete at least 24 credit points at 300-level in Politics subjects.

Subjects Required for Minor Study

A minor in Politics will consist of at least 30 credit points in subjects with the prefix 'POL' from the Course Structure of the Politics major. Students may only take one subject at 100-level and may include a maximum of 8 CP with an INTS prefix.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au