Politics Major | 2018

This major is available for students studying the Bachelor of Arts.

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, global development, political economy, peace and conflict, Australian politics, American politics, the Middle East, popular culture and media. Students are encouraged to study as broadly as possible across the subject areas offered.

The purpose of the major is to acquaint students with key areas of politics as a discipline. Politics can and does occur at many levels, from international relations to the nation state, from local communities to the individual.  In a Politics major students examine different forms of power as expressed in government, international relations, money, political economy, culture, class, gender and ethnicity.  A particular focus is on the nature of power and authority, and the creation of social consensus which underpins both state and global order.

The study of politics is not just to do with contemporary political ideas and debates, it 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, a Politics major engages students with choices about how to live life and how best to contribute to society. A Politics major equips students with the research, analysis and communication skills desired by public sector employers, as well as private and non-profit organisations, both domestically and internationally.

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. 

Major Study

A major in Politics consists of at least 48 credit points outlined below. 

Timetables

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject.

To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Politics is available.

Students cannot complete both a major and minor in Politics.

Information regarding minors, including which subjects to take to complete a minor, are available on the 2018 General Schedule of Minors page.

Minors appear on the transcript (academic record), but do not appear on the testamur. To have a minor study recorded, students must submit an Application to Declare or Change Intended Major/Minor.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

Students in the Politics Major can apply to the Discipline Leader to complete an Internship under the subjects POL 345, POL 346, or POL 347.

POL 345, Politics Internship, enables students to undertake internships in relevant political offices in the Illawarra or Sydney attached to the office of an elected politician, or working within a part of government bureaucracy. Students will undertake duties as directed by their supervisor in that institution.

POL 346, Australian National Internship Program (ANIP), is highly competitive and by application to the ANU. If selected students will undertake two months or more full-time work in as a parliamentary intern based in the offices of Members of Parliament and Senators and engaging with a range of activities that shape national policy-making. Placements in the Public Service or other agencies are also possible. Enrolment in POL 346 is conditional on being selected for the ANIP.

POL 347, Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program (UCWIP), provides interns with a unique perspective of the US political system and institutions over a two-month placement. In-office experiences will vary widely according to the needs of the congressional hosts but will typically include administrative functions, constituent liaison and legislative research and support. Interns are encouraged to attend hearings, briefings and press conferences both on and off Capitol Hill in addition to the UCWIP-organised briefings at the US State Department and the Australian Embassy.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder.

Other Information

For further information email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au