PL2110 - Government and Politics in Developing Areas

[Offered in odd-numbered years in Cairns, Townsville, Townsville. ]

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

Available every year

This is a comparative politics subject, with an emphasis on nation-building in developing countries. It first introduces students to a variety of analytical approaches to understanding politics in the developing world. It will then compare important political practices and institutions of various countries, including structures of government, military in politics, bureaucratic politics, economic development, political parties and participation, civil society and democratisation, political violence and opposition. Empirically, the subject will focus on the Asia-Pacific region, a region of immense political, economic and strategic importance to Australia, but students will be given the opportunity to work on other parts of the developing world, such as Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Learning Outcomes

• broaden students horizons on and appreciation of the different political systems and practices;
• enhance students skills in approaches to comparative political studies;
• enhance students skills in research and writing in the discipline of political science;
• provide students with the ability to analyse and evaluate political events in developing countries more critically;
• value students own political system against others.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Assumed Knowledge:	To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	PL3110 PL5110

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Dr Surin Maisrikrod.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 10 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); essays (50%).
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Dr Surin Maisrikrod.
Contact hours:	26 hours - two hours per week external study
Method of Delivery:	and CDROMWWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); weekly commentaries and essays (50%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Dr Surin Maisrikrod.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 10 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); essays (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.