Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

It is not possible to fully understand our system of government without understanding the history of ideas of government that have led to this point. This is core knowledge for working in policy or politics. This unit will run through all the major theories of how governments should operate and the basis of authority, legitimacy and freedom. Theory of Government will provide you with the necessary knowledge of what our system of government is designed to do and why we have this rather than another system of government.

Aims

This unit should provide you with knowledge of all the major theories of government in world history. You should have a working knowledge of each system, be able to differentiate between them, and understand why different societies 'choose' or have the systems of government in place. You should also be able to understand when actions by an Australian government depart from the fundamental tenants of democracy into another form of government like authoritarianism or fascism.

Objectives

Knowledge

1. Evidence of understanding policy, theoretical and practice perspectives relative to justice systems in national and global settings.
   


2. Evidence of policy knowledge and practices relative to marginalised groups in Australia.
   

Ethics and Professionalism

3. Evidence of awareness of variations in social perspectives across cultures, sexes and income groups.
   

Higher Order Thinking and Research Skills

4. Evidence of the ability to resolve problems using rational decision making models reliant upon real world context and policy.
   

Communication, Collaboration and Independent Life Skills

5. Evidence of the ability to work individually or part of a team to produce timely outcomes.

Evidence of the ability to express ideas and communicate in verbal or written formats in a professional manner.

Content

Content

1. Origins of Democracy and Republicanism


2. Feudalism and Divine Right of Kings


3. Confucianism


4. Enlightenment: Individual Rights vs. The General Will


5. Marxism


6. Leninism and Communism


7. Anarchism & US Anarcho-Syndicalism


8. Whigs and Tories


9. Parliamentary Democracy


10. Despotism, totalitarianism, Fascism and Nazism


11. Smith, Hayek and Libertarianism


12. Democratic Socialism and the Welfare State


13. Third Wave Democracy, Singaporean Authoritarianism & Confucian Communism

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Approaches to teaching and learning
The unit is available in internal and external mode and has a multi-faceted approach to teaching.

Internal mode delivery involves two hour lectures and one hour tutorials.

You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning and to work as an effective and supportive team member.

External delivery requires students to listen to the audio lecture recordings, complete set readings and participate in online assessment.

Everyone is encouraged to develop a commitment to reflect on the practical and applied aspects, as well as to critically evaluate the knowledge, information and understanding derived from the unit content. All students are expected to complete relevant readings and modules available on Blackboard.

A central feature of the approach to teaching and learning for this unit is the embedding of various skills and knowledge that contribute to the four core attributes that you are expected to learn and demonstrate. All units in the School of Justice Studies reflect particular graduate attributes and skills. This unit has embedded several core attitudinal, cognitive, communication and relational skills into its teaching, learning and assessment.

Assessment

Students will be asked to prepare three different pieces of assessment: participation in tutorials, a major essay and an exam. The tutorials will assess students' ongoing understanding of the theories. The essay will test their knowledge in-depth on a small subset. The exam will cover the terminology used throughout the unit.

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Students participate in tutorial exercises where they display their understanding of the theoretical concepts. Internal students will do this in tutorials while external students participate in online discussions.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Every student will be required to complete a 3000 word essay in the format of a report.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 11

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Every student will be required to complete a multiple-choice exam scheduled during the central examination period at the end of the semester. This will cover all of the material presented in lectures and readings. The exam will have 50 questions based on the Fact Sheets made available from each lecture.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Readings will be listed on Blackboard

Risk assessment statement

There are no risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 28-Sep-2012