Campaigns and Elections

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 120 hours

Politics at levels 1 & 2

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Elections lie at the heart of democracy. This subject examines why elections matter and how they feature in democratic theory and practice. Topics include electoral administration, voting systems and voter turnout, the role of political parties, the financing of campaigns and how elections are reported in the media. Students will also explore campaign strategy including case studies of famous and important election campaigns in Australia, the US and the UK.

Upon successful completion of this subject students are expected to:

• have a critical understanding of the political institutions and processes involved in elections and election campaigns;
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key actors, policies, laws, issues and interests that shape election outcomes;
• be able to critically analyse the relationship between the media and election processes;
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of how election communication operates across various political and public contexts.

A research essay of 2000 words (50%) due mid-semester, and a research essay (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Online readings will be available via the subject LMS site at the beginning of the semester.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should:

• demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;
• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;
• display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of the media and of our place as researchers;
• have gained experience in using basic research tools;
• be familiar with theoretical approaches to the media.

This subject is available as Breadth to non-Bachelor of Arts students.