Power and Politics
Undergraduate
GRF-SGY200 2023Course information for 2023 intake
Pick apart the relationship between politics and power. Build an appreciation for how politics impacts class, culture and the military. Unpack political trends and history. Gain insight into who benefits from political power and who misses out.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Power and Politics
About this subject
At the completion of this subject you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of political sociology and awareness of trends in politics;
- identify and canvass political problems;
- apply theoretical lessons and empirical studies to political situations; and
- exercise generic skills in the area of research, analysis and critical evaluation, problem solving, written communication and team work skills.
- Introduction to Power and Politics
- Thinking About Thinking Politically
- Society in the Midst of Econonic Crisis
- Power, Life and Politics
- The End of the Nation-State?
- No Class?
- From the Zapatistas to #OWS PLUS
- Networks of Terror
- Complex Citizenship
- Global Civil Society: Dream or Reality
- A Complex World
This is a subject designed to help you understand the meaning of political power and empower you politically. If you are one of those people who say, "I'm not into politics", this subject will help you change your mind. You will be alerted to how the words, issues and activities of politicians and those who are in government have meaning and relevance to you and your life, and the lives of the people around you. Politics is not separable from the world that you and your family live in and the study of political power will help you to see and understand how politics penetrates every aspect of your life. This is because politics is about the exercise of power - Who has it? Who wants it? Who deserves it? And most importantly - who misses out? We are all into politics even if we do not know it because we have no choice. But the more we know the more we can all benefit (individually and collectively) because learning how politics works and learning about the political skills necessary to negotiate power relations is one of the greatest insights our university education can give us. We look at the politics of class, crisis, culture, the military and violence, and what the meaning of citizenship in a transnational world really is?
- Annotated Bibliography (30%)
- Final Essay (50%)
- Online Discussion (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 21
Entry requirements
Others
Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
GRF-ART-DEGSingle subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.