POL 2001 Institutions and Governance

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, Asia and elsewhere where appropriate. Political and economic institutional sovereignty are 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 an advanced regional economy. Domestic, political and economic institutions are compared and examined within an international context.

OBJECTIVES:

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. The assessment item(s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parentheses after each objective. On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. explain the factors that bear upon the formation of political and economic institutions (Essay 1, Examination)
2. have an informed understanding of the purpose and roles of constitutions (Essay 1, Examination)
3. understand the relationship between economic performance, property rights and institutions and broadly explain the passage of political and economic institutional development in Australia during the period following World War II (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)
4. appreciate and evaluate the importance of global political and economic institutions (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)
5. critique the roles of bureaucracy and the public service in policy formation (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)
6. logically discuss the linkages between electoral systems, democracy and voter behaviour (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)
7. explain theories relating to policy formation (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)
8. appreciate the roles and importance of interest groups (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)
9. present rational, well-researched, written arguments about political and economic institutions with clarity and coherence (Essay 1, Essay 2, Examination)

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).

POL2001 study package available from the USQ Bookshop.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

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:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and 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 satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks. (Depending upon the requirements in Statement 4 below, students may not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to receive a passing grade in this course.)
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 achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks 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 room.
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

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Learning resources: Prescribed texts and materials (see above); recommended reference materials (see above); printed Introductory Book*, Study Book/s*, and Book/s of Selected Readings*; and course Website accessible via USQConnect. *part of the study package available from the USQ Bookshop