- Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.
However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.
Politics Major | 2017
The discipline of politics employs an exciting, vibrant and constantly changing body of ideas, approaches and methods to study the distribution of power and the workings of government and international organisations. The Politics major offers subjects in political theory, international relations, Australian politics, comparative politics, the politics of developing countries, public policy, culture and media. Students should 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. Students examine the origins and nature of consent, authority, and consensus, which underpin the 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. Graduates have the skills desired by public, private and non-profit organisations, domestically and internationally.
Major Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this major students will be able to:
- Evaluate different political systems and the contexts in which they operate;
- Critically analyse political issues and policy debates;
- Evaluate the influence of key political thinkers and their influence on contemporary debates;
- Apply different research methods used to investigate political phenomena.
Subjects Required for Major Study
A major in Politics consists of at least 48 credit points comprised as outlined below.
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | |||
| POL 150 | Government, Power and Political Systems | 6 | Autumn |
| INTS206 | Methods in International Studies and Politics | 6 | Spring |
| POL 304 | Power and the State (Capstone) | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| Electives | |||
| Plus at least 30 credit points from the following. At least 18 credit points must be at 300-level. | |||
| POL 201 | Key Concepts and Thinkers in Political Theory | 6 | Autumn |
| POL 202 | Politics in the USA | 6 | Autumn |
| POL 221 | Australian Politics | 6 | Spring |
| POL 204 | Politics and the Media | 6 | Spring |
| POL 305 | Politics Internship | 12 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 306 | Complex Peace Operations | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 311 | Politics of the Middle East | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 308 | The Politics of Asian Development | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 309 | Global Political Economy | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 310 | Twentieth Century Dictatorships | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 326 | Global Inequality | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 327 | Culture and Politics | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| POL 328 | Special Topics in Politics | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| Students may take up to TWO from the following in their electives: | |||
| INTS121 | Global Politics and Power | 6 | Spring |
| INTS207 | Conflict, Peace & Security | 6 | Autumn |
| INTS200 | Model United Nations | 6 | Autumn |
| INTS204 | Global Aid and Development: Challenges and Prospects | 6 | Spring |
| STS 302 | Climate Change Policy, Possible Futures | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| STS 303 | Social Policy, Innovation & Politics | 6 | Not offered in this year |
Subjects Required for Minor Study
A minor in Politics is available and consists of at least 24 credit points of subjects from the schedule of the politics major. At least 12 credit points must be at 200 level or higher.
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