Parliamentary Internship

Subject 166-013 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.00
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: To be determined in consultation with parliamentary officers and staff
Total Time Commitment: 0 contact hours/week , 8.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: 25 points of Level 1 Politics and International Studies, and 37.5 points of Level 2 Politics and International Studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr John Henry Chesterman

Contact

Dr. John Chesterman
jhc@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: In this subject students will have active experience working for a Member of Parliament in the settings of Parliament, the Parliamentary Library, Parliamentary Offices and electorate offices. Each student will complete a research project for the Member of Parliament on a topic of concern and interest to the MP. Academic supervision and support is provided by the School. Students have the benefit of developing their research and interpersonal skills while learning about the representative role of MPs and Parliament and their tasks of policy making and enacting legislation. Students who complete this subject should have an understanding of the Parliament and the role of an MP; have well-developed analytical, research, interviewing and report-writing skills; have practical skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services and have high-level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people including MPs.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of the Parliament and the role of a Member of Parliament;
  • have well-developed analytical, research, interviewing and report-writing skills;
  • have practical skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services;
  • have high-level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people including Members of Parliament.
Assessment: A research report of 6000 words worth 80% (due during the examination period) and a reflective essay of 2000 words worth 20% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, syndicate group discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge economically through essay writing and syndicate group discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for the completion of essays;
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-013. Students who have completed 166-013 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Students will only be permitted to take one Political Science Internship as part of a BA. Applications are made as part of the normal enrolment process in the semester prior to the one in which the internship is to occur. This subject has a quota of 15 students per semester. The relevant quota permission form must be lodged at the Arts and Music Student Support Centre before enrolling.

This subject is not available as a Breadth subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Political Science)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies

Download PDF version.