Courses & Units
American Politics HPP315
Introduction
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to American politics. The unit begins with an overview of United States political history, culture and institutions before focusing on the nature and impact of recent presidencies. It examines key issues which dominate contemporary US politics and provides insights into the ideas and actors which influence these debates. The unit concludes by evaluating key trends in US politics and their likely implications.
Summary
| Unit name | American Politics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HPP315 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education School of Social Sciences |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Coordinator | Doctor Matt Killingsworth |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* 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 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of the key concepts and theories of American politics.
- Compare and contrast case studies related to American politics.
- Evaluate theories and case studies related to American politics.
- Communicate knowledge and research results related to the subject matter in the form of essays and face-to-face or online tutorials
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 | $2,040.00 | $957.00 | not applicable | $2,324.00 |
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 UConnect 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 higherMutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
HSA205 AND HSA305 AND HPP215Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Weekly captured/recorded lecture Weekly face-to-face or online tutorial |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Tutorial Literature Review (20%)|Major essay (40%)|Take-home exam (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Cal Jillson, American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change, 11th ed. (Routledge: New York, 2021) - available as an e-book via ‘reading guide’ link |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Perspectives on American Government: Readings in American Political Development and Institutional Change. I also strongly recommend a subscription to a good quality US newspaper, such as the New York Times or Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, or news magazine, such as Slate, The Atlantic, The Hill or Politico. There are a number of high quality US politics podcasts – I’m happy to recommend the following: Slate Political Gabfest, The NPR Politics Podcast, The Daily, Potomac Watch, FiveThirtyEight Politics, Pod Save America, | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.