Go to Courses and units

Introduction to Politics and Policy unit (HPP101)

Introduction

This unit provides an introduction to the fundamentals of political science. It introduces students to some of the central ideas, concepts, actors, institutions and processes which characterise politics in democratic nations. It uses examples and case studies from Australia and across the democratic world to highlight the challenges confronting advanced democracies in the 21st Century.

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 Associate Professor Joanna Vince
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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain and evaluate key theories in the study of politics and policy.
  • Acquire critical thinking skills and apply these in developing balanced academic arguments.
  • Apply concepts and theories encountered in the unit to contemporary political and policy issues.
  • Communicate your ideas coherently in written and/or oral formats using referencing and style conventions as appropriate.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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 lecture (online) 2 hours

Weekly tutorial (face to face) 2 hours

 

Off Campus: 

Weekly lecture (online) 2 hours

Weekly online discussion topics 1 hour

AssessmentMinor essay (15%)|Tutorial Attendance and Participation (25%)|Major essay (30%)|Quizzes (30%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

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

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