POL 2001 Political and Economic Institutions

STAFFING:

SYNOPSIS:

This course introduces students to the basic institutions and processes of government and the economy. While the course has broad application it examines institutions within a regional framework using examples from Australia and Asia where appropriate. Sovereignty of the domestic institutions of government and the economy is examined as international institutions become prominent as coordinators of national activity. Australian political and economic institutions are analysed as exemplars of the roles of institutions in a regional economy. Domestic, political and economic institutions are compared and examined within an international context. Political and Economic Institutions consists of core modules and two module streams. Students may select a module set (modules 5, 6 and 7) that suits their particular interests or study requirements.

OBJECTIVES:

NOTE. The course objectives apply to both the Political Institutions and Economic Institutions streams of study. Although assessment expectations differ between streams, students may attempt assignment and examination questions from either stream. For the 2004 offering of this course, alternative political and economic streams will not be offered. In 2004 the primary focus of the course will be political in nature and the assessment requirements will reflect this. On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. explain the nature of the international and regional political and economic environment that bears upon political and economic institutions;
2. have an informed understanding of the structure, roles and activities of political and economic institutions within countries that comprise the Asian regional economy;
3. broadly explain the history of Australian and Asian regional, political and economic institutional development in the period following 1945;
4. have the capacity to appreciate and evaluate political and economic institutions and phenomena in an analytical manner;
5. critique the development of theory with respect to economic and/or political institutions;
6. present rational, well-researched, written arguments about political and economic institutions with clarity and coherence; and
7. understand the nature of significant political and economic concepts as they apply to institutions in Australia, Asia and other countries.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Text for the Economic Institutions stream is to be advised.

Text for the Political Institutions stream is to be advised.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Reference materials for the Economic Institutions stream and further reference material for the Political Institutions stream are to be advised.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

This assignment is research based. Although assessment expectations differ between streams, students may attempt assignment questions from either stream.

2.

The examination is scheduled to be held in the end-of-semester examination period. Students will be advised of the official examination date after the timetable has been finalised. Although assessment expectations differ between streams, students may attempt examination questions from either stream.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   If you are an international student in Australia you are advised to attend all classes at your campus. Failure to attend may infringe the conditions of your student visa. For all other students, there are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the assignments in aggregate. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve an aggregated mark of at least 50% in the total marks allocated for the assignments, achieve at least 50% in the examination, and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   This is a closed examination. Candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm. Students should also read the Faculty of Business Guide to Policies and Procedures of the Faculty which can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/current/buspolproc.html.

ASSESSMENT NOTES