Campaigns and Elections (POLS30032)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2019
About this subject
Overview
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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.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Develop 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 and the political, cultural and socio-economic contexts in which they operate;
- Be able to critically analyse the relationship between the media and election processes, and in doing so, apply concepts and theories that underpin those relationships;
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the scholarship that informs how election communication operates across various political and public contexts.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics at levels 1 & 2
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
Additional details
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- 1. Devise an election campaign strategy of up to 1500 words (if written)- you may use audio visual materials to communicate your strategy (40%), due two weeks after the intensive teaching period has concluded.
- 2.Written research essay of 2,500 words (60%) due during the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: This is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory for all classes and regular class participation is expected.
All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
- Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025