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Parties, Leaders, Elections and Campaigns unit (HPP304)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit has two central goals. First, it aims to provide students with an introduction to comparative politics. Second, it seeks to provide students with advanced knowledge of politics in contrasting parts of the world. The unit consists of three modules: Module one introduces students to some of the central debates and methods in comparative politics. This includes a consideration of how and why to compare and what can be achieved by comparing. Module two focuses on key institutions and actors, such as systems of government, political parties and electoral systems. Module three examines key issues in comparative politics, including populism, democratisation, and legitimacy and authority in different regimes. The unit aims to provide a global overview of comparative politics, focusing on examples and case studies from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, South America and Europe.

Summary

Unit name Parties, Leaders, Elections and Campaigns
Unit code HPP304
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Politics and International Relations
Coordinator Professor James Chin
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By
Level Advanced

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
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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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 23/02/2026 17/03/2026 20/04/2026 14/06/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain and apply key concepts and theories of comparative politics.
  • Compare, contrast and evaluate concepts of different polities.
  • Compare, contrast and evaluate theories and case studies of different polities
  • Communicate your ideas coherently in written and/or oral formats applying 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 $2,174.00 $1,020.00 not applicable $2,562.00
  • 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

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On campus:

Weekly workshop (3 hours)

Online:

Weekly online workshop (3 hours) or recording

AssessmentMinor essay (20%)|Video presentation (20%)|Major essay (30%)|Take home exam (30%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Readings can be found on Mylo and reading list

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