POLSC102-22B (TGA)

New Zealand Politics and Policy

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Political Science and Public Policy

Staff

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: melanie.chivers@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
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Paper Description

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How does the government of Aotearoa New Zealand make decisions? Who has power and how do they exercise it within that process? How can we as citizens, communities and iwi be involved? This course introduces you to democracy, government and politics in Aotearoa New Zealand. You don't need any prior knowledge of New Zealand politics, as our aim is to support you to develop an understanding of our system of government and develop a sense of confidence that you can play a part in that world and contribute towards making change. We do this by introducing the key institutions of government - cabinet, parliament, the judiciary, and the place of te Tiriti - and we cover elections and the role of the media and interest groups in influencing government decisions, as well as the capacity for citizens (like you) to be involved. The course pays particular attention to the history of gender and Māori politics and policy, and struggles for enhancing democratic inclusion and diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Paper Structure

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The paper will involve Moodle-based reading and the completion of online lessons, weekly worksheets, and workshops where you will have the chance to discuss the course material, ask questions and get clarification as you complete your written papers.

The course work also includes two short essays and one online test.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

  • Understand and evaluate how political power is exercised in Aotearoa New Zealand through the key institutions of government
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  • Understand the evolution of these institutions, including debates over Te Tiriti, rights to vote and representation
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  • Develop an appreciation of the art and craft of politics and policymaking, and a passion for politics as a means to pursuing visions of a better world
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  • Engage in thoughtful, critical debate about contemporary political and policy issues in Aotearoa New Zealand
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  • Develop abilities to communicate effectively through written and oral work
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Weekly online lessons
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Weekly worksheet and class-based activities
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Your Political World Paper
25 Aug 2022
5:00 PM
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Online/Take-Home test
27 Sep 2022
6:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Essay proposal
30 Sep 2022
5:00 PM
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Essay
21 Oct 2022
5:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Hayward, J., Greaves, L. and Timperley, C. (2021). Government and Politics in Aotearoa New Zealand (Seventh Edition). Auckland: Oxford University Press.

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Recommended Readings

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Shaw, R. and Eichbaum, C. (2011). Public Policy in New Zealand: Institutions, processes and outcomes (3rd edition). Auckland: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Hayward, J., ed. 2015. New Zealand Government and Politics (6th Edition). South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press.

Miller, R. (2015). Democracy in New Zealand. Auckland University Press.

Stone, Deborah. 1997. Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making. New York: W.W. Norton.

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Other Resources

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The following is a list of journals (available on the Library website) that may be useful to you:

Policy Quarterly (a New Zealand publication)

Public Administration

Journal of Public Policy

Policy Sciences

Policy Studies Journal

Australian Journal of Public Administration

Governance

Australian Journal of Political Science

Political Science

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Online Support

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The teaching of this paper is supported online using Moodle. To access Moodle you will need to log onto iWaikato and follow the link under ‘Key Links’ or go to elearn.waikato.ac.nz.

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Workload

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Students should spend approximately 150 hours on this course over the semester. This equates to 12.5 hours per week and includes working on and preparing for all assessment items.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: POLS105

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