University of Technology, Sydney

Staff directory | Campus maps | Newsroom | What's on

50260 Parliamentary Placement

UTS: Communication: Cultural Studies
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 50141 Australian History and Politics OR 50220 Advocacy and Policy

Handbook description

This is a professional attachment subject arranged with the Parliament of New South Wales. It is limited to 10 students. Students are attached to the office of a Member of Parliament or a Parliamentary Officer. Students participate in a learning contract between themselves, UTS and the Parliament. Students are selected for the placement on the basis of criteria agreed with the Parliament.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to have:

  1. an understanding of the practical and procedural dimensions of parliament
  2. sound knowledge of the nature of the party system in a liberal democracy
  3. practical skill and professional contacts that will allow students to work in this area in the future.

Contribution to graduate profile

The subject aims to enhance the students' scholarly understanding of political institutions and actors, as well as providing opportunities for making career choices, developing professional skills and acquiring professional contacts for future employment in political parties, government and the public service.

Teaching and learning strategies

This a practice based subject where teaching and learning occurs in the context of the parliamentary internship. Students will normally be required to spend between 70 (minimum) and 100 hours formally working on their project. Students may need to spend additional time checking out references and other resources in the library, preparing to

carry out activities such as sound recordings, photography, etc. In addition, students will spend time writing up and reflecting on their day-to-day and week-to-week activities and experiences. Time spent on work for this subject should be equivalent to that spent on other professional strand subjects, although it may be structured differently.

There is no set text for this subject. However, you should make sure that you familiarise yourselves with the content of the recommended texts. When completing your assessments you will be expected to identify and draw on relevant primary and secondary literature.

Content

To vary according to the research and political needs of the particular MP the student will be working for.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Project report

Objective(s): Students should be able to have completed their internship work satisfactorily.
Weighting: 65%
Task: One substantial piece or several smaller pieces of research (such as a report for presentation to a parliamentary committee, or a background research report for a member of parliament's speech or submission; work including photography, sound recordings, or other media products; a set of issues papers for policy development or other research report; submission to a major inquiry, etc.). The student's workplace supervisor will assess the outcomes/products of their placement against the criteria agreed in their learning contract. They will not award a grade for work in the subject. This will be awarded by their academic supervisor.
Assessment criteria: Criteria agreed by both student and workplace supervisor.

Assessment item 2: Workplace journal

Objective(s): Demonstrate ability to apply knowledges and skills learnt while studying at UTS in a workplace environment.
Weighting: 35%
Task: A reflective account drawn from the student's observations of their daily work experience and its organisational setting. Students may wish to reflect on any difficulties or dilemmas experienced during the placement. This is the major 'de-briefing' element of this subject. As in all instances of debriefing, it should cover (a) what happened, (b) how they felt about it and (c) what it meant. Two-thirds at least of their assignment should address point (c).
Assessment criteria: All assessment work should reflect research – documentary or in the field. These tasks are not based on opinion, nor are they to be presented as generalist or journalistic accounts. While media sources can be useful, all work must reflect relevant theoretical knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of the field of knowledge within which the student is working.

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. You are expected to initiate, attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in all scheduled meetings or classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

Davis, G. & Bridgman, P. (2000) The Australian Policy Handbook, Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.

Davis, G. & Keating, M. (2000) (eds.) The Future of Governance: Policy Choices, Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Fenna, A. (2003) An Introduction to Australian Public Policy, Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.

Gifford, D.J. & Gifford, K.H. (1991) How to Understand an Act of Parliament, Sydney:.Law Book Company.

Jaensch, D. (2002) Parliament, Parties and People: Australian Politics Today, South Melbourne: Longman.

Maddox, G. (1999) Australian Democracy in Theory and Practice, Melbourne: Longman.