Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY503
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In many parts of the world, populism is on the rise as a major political and sociological force.
In this unit, you will compare and analyse the various manifestations of populism and the sometimes-competing conceptual approaches in understanding it. You will analyse the political and sociological causes of populism and consider its historical background before embarking on your own study of several contemporary examples.
Throughout, the central question is whether, or in what circumstances, populism poses a threat to democracy.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply various definitions of populism to critically understand and demonstrate an advanced knowledge of what implications a particular definition has for democracy;
- demonstrate a superior understanding of different manifestations of populism across the globe;
- rigorously and critically evaluate the sociological and political causes of populist expression; and
- independently develop, through synthesising and comparing evidence from a range of sources, logical arguments about the rise of populism across countries, and communicate them in a compelling manner.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Portfolio: Critical Reflections Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Weekly reflection tasks collected into an online portfolio No. Words: 1500 |
| Portfolio: Essay with Interview - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Essay plus an interview Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 3500 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Routledge Handbook of Global Populism
ISBN: 9780367659776
La Torre, C. (ed.), Routledge 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
What is Populism?
ISBN: 9780141987378
Müller, Jan-Werner., Penguin Books 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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