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Introduction to Politics and Policy unit (HPP101)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit provides a foundation for the study of politics, public policy, and international relations. Students are introduced to key concepts, theories and debates that shape political life, including power, the state, democracy, governance, and ideology. Students examine how political institutions and processes operate across different levels, from local and national governance in Australia, including the Constitution, federalism, elections, parliament and the party system, to international organisations and systems of global governance, including the United Nations and other institutions that shape international cooperation and global affairs. Through contemporary examples and case studies, students develop the analytical, critical thinking and communication skills needed to understand and evaluate political and policy issues in Australia and around the world.

Summary

Unit name Introduction to Politics and Policy
Unit code HPP101
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Politics and International Relations
Coordinator Doctor Hannah Murphy
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain key concepts, theories, and approaches used in the study of politics, public policy, and international relations.
  • Analyse political institutions, systems of governance and political processes at local, national and global levels.
  • Apply political concepts and theories to contemporary political and policy challenges.
  • Communicate ideas and evidence-based arguments coherently in written and/or oral formats using referencing and style conventions as appropriate.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090101 $2,253.00 $1,057.00 not applicable
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HSG101 AND HSG110 AND HPP110 AND HSG107 AND HSG111

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:

Weekly seminar (face to face) 1 hour

Weekly tutorial (face to face) 2 hours

 

Online: 

Weekly seminar (online) 1 hours

Weekly tutorial (online) 2 hours

AssessmentAnnotated Bibliography and Essay Plan (30%)|Tutorial learning portfolio and presentation (30%)|Major essay (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Heywood, A and Laing, M. 2025, Politics, 6th edition, Bloomsbury Academic.

Perche, D., Barry, N., Bromfield, N., Fenna, A., Foley, E., Ghazarian, Z., & Hayman, P. (Eds.). (2026). Australian politics and policy. Sydney University Press.

 

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.