Paper Number:
200.161
Paper Title:
Introduction to Politics
Credit Value:
15
Calendar Prescription:
The introductory 100 level paper will provide an introduction to the nature and
study of politics, including political theory, political parties, electoral systems,
public policy and international relations. While not a paper in New Zealand Politics
as such, the paper will relate key issues and themes in the study of politics to the
contemporary New Zealand political environment.
Pre and co requisites:
None
Semester:
3 (Summer School)
Campus:
Albany
Mode:
Internal
E-Learning Category:
Recommended
Paper Coordinator and lecturer contact details:
Dr Adam Claasen
History, Atrium Building, Rm. 2.26.
Tel. 4140800 ext. 9060.
Email a.claasen@massey.ac.nz
Teaching Timetable (for internal papers only):
Please see http://publictimetable.massey.ac.nz/ for timetabling information.
Learning Outcomes:
The objectives of this paper are:
•
•
•
•
Recognize key concepts and theories in politics in the New Zealand context
Demonstrate analytical skills by utilizing concepts and theories to
understand and compare arguments and to recognize how an argument is
constructed
Demonstrate conceptual and theoretical understanding of the principal
topics and issues informing politics today
Demonstrate research skills, including making effective use of reading lists
and locating and utilising library resources relevant to the course, be able
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•
to take notes and use them effectively, distinguish primary from secondary
sources and understand and apply academic conventions such as footnotes
or endnotes and a bibliography
Demonstrate good presentation skills, including presenting a logical
argument in essay form to a set deadline, meeting a word limit with proper
attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation, and properly
acknowledging sources to academic standards
Major topics or paper structure:
The introductory 100 level paper will provide an introduction to the nature and
study of politics, including political theory, political parties, electoral systems,
public policy and international relations. While not a paper in New Zealand Politics
as such, the paper will relate key issues and themes in the study of politics to the
contemporary New Zealand political environment.
Assessment Proportions:
The final grade for the paper will be made up as follows:
Per cent
5
15
20
Work Specified
Assignment One
Assignment Two
Assignment Three
Total Course Assessment
Final Examination
40
60
100
Description of assessment activities:
All written assignments should be submitted with a coversheet and posted at the
second floor reception of the Atrium Building. Follow very carefully the advice
contained in the booklet How to Write History and Politics Essays. Marks will be
deducted for poor/careless presentation, expression and spelling. Please ensure
that written assignments are handed in on time. Late assignments are likely to face
penalties of one percentage point per day late unless an extension has been
arranged in advance with the lecturer.
Please take a photocopy of all your assignments for yourself. (The School cannot
accept responsibility for lost or missing assignments.)
Due dates / deadlines:
The due dates for assignments (and any other internal assessment components) will
be advised at the start of the semester.
Final examination dates can be found at
http://study.massey.ac.nz/massey/students/studymassey/search.cfm?view=paper
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Penalties for late assignment submission:
TBA
Assignment turnaround:
(if not within the University standard of 3 weeks)
Any specific requirements for passing the paper:
Nil
Principal Textbook:
TBA
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this paper outline is correct as of 12/8/2010. Any
changes will be notified to students at the beginning of the year.
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