Key facts
UNE unit code: PAIS101
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Politics impacts every aspect of our daily lives. But politics is not what is presented on the television news.
This unit encourages you to reflect on the fundamental importance of politics for understanding and dealing with the pressing challenges of our times. It introduces key ideas about power, leadership, the state, federalism, elections and legislation.
This unit will deliver the skills needed to help you sharpen your ability to think and act politically about contemporary dilemmas that affect us, our communities and families.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
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:
- demonstrate an understanding that there are different approaches to political studies and provide a meaningful and coherent answer to the question 'What is Politics';
- apply an understanding of key concepts used in the analysis of politics including power, authority, legitimacy and the state;
- demonstrate an understanding of disciplinary standards in political science, especially ethical standards of conduct used in the analysis of politics;
- demonstrate an understanding of the significance of politics for dealing with local, regional and global problems and issues;
- evaluate and synthesise evidence from a range of sources to analyse various political problems and issues; and
- display analytical and written communication skills through the planning and execution of written work in which they apply key concepts to the analysis of a political problem.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Issue Analysis | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Discussion Contribution | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Essay Plan and Annotated Bibliography | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam – will be allowed access to Essay Plan and Annotated Bibliography. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. No. Words: 2000 (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.
Australian Politics and Policy
ISBN: 9781743329580
Perche, D., Barry, N., Fenna, A., Ghazarian, Z., & Haig, Y. , Sydney University Press 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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