Politics
History of Politics | Thinking About Studying with Us?
Politics at ADFA is one of the most active and high-profile politics departments in Australasia. Although we number only about a dozen academic staff, and some very dedicated support staff, we edited and produced Australia's leading politics journal (the Australian Journal of Political Science) from 1989-1995; continue to co-edit the Journal of Political Philosophy, and also edit the Bulletin of the Australasian Society for the History of Ideas. We administered for several years the Australasian Political Studies Association; have active exchange programs with overseas universities and academies; have a publications record (over 20 books and numerous articles and book chapters over the last six years) that is difficult to match; and have a vigorous and innovative teaching program. Our staff have a wide range of research interests in strategic studies, the politics of the Asia-Pacific region, and political science in general.
Why study Politics?
What is politics?
You may think that politics involves middle-aged men in suits arguing about trivialities--and sometimes you would be right. But there's more to politics than soundbites about tax. At its heart, politics is about power, conflict, and change. It's about determining who has the power to change how things are done in their country, state, or neighbourhood, and about resolving conflicts over those changes. In a world changing evermore rapidly, an understanding of politics is invaluable.
So why should I study Politics at ADFA?
As a cadet at ADFA, you will be preparing for a role as an officer of the Australian Defence Force--an integral part of the Australian system of government, and of Australia's presence on the regional and world stage. In other words, you will be preparing to become part of the political process.
It will therefore be extremely beneficial for you to understand, and to be able to explain to your fellow officers and troops, the foreign policy objectives of Australia, the political rationale for various operations, and the nature of the foreign political and cultural systems involved.
Your future duties may take you overseas--whether attached to embassies, on UN missions, on aid programs, or in a combat role--but for much of your military career you will have to negotiate the political and bureaucratic environment of Australia and your department. A sense of duty is not enough to prepare you for these political challenges.
The study of politics will not just enable you to develop the general intellectual skills you will need, but will supply a great deal of information relevant to the pursuit of your career. Whether it be the politics of Northeast or Southeast Asia, of Russia, the USA or China, or of our own community, the knowledge and understanding you acquire here will equip you to meet your responsibilities.
I still need two good reasons
In the short term, studying Politics is both interesting and useful. In the longer term, Politics offers you a first-rate professional training in critical analysis and discriminating judgement, along with straightforward and forceful self-expression. Clear thinking about complex human affairs, and a grounding in the ways different peoples handle their political problems, is a priceless asset for a senior officer. Skill in communication is fundamental to leadership at any level.
But I've never studied Politics before
Join the crowd! Most of our students have had no formal education in the subject before they came to ADFA; it is no disadvantage. The information you need to know will be provided within the course. Any academic problems you may have should be raised in tutorials, or with your tutor on an individual basis.
But I'm an Engineer
Scientific research has proven that this is no handicap to studying Politics. In fact, we have designed some Politics General Education subjects especially for students majoring in Science and Engineering subjects. They cover topics that will be directly relevant for your experience as Defence personnel and Australian citizens.
Will I have to read lots of books?
Like all Arts and Social Science subjects, Politics requires a good deal of reading and thinking. However, all our courses are organised such that topics are identified and examined separately, usually on a weekly basis. The readings for each topic are carefully selected to be relevant and to the point. They are also divided into 'essential' and 'recommended' readings, to help you assign your reading priorities for tutorial discussions and for essay writing.
What else is involved?
Wherever practicable in Politics subjects, film and video screenings are held to highlight particular aspects of the course. Distinguished visitors, including parliamentarians, lobbyists and overseas academics, form an important part of the lecture program.
Furthermore, every year two third-year students are nominated to attend the US Naval Academy's Foreign Affairs Conference in Washington DC, USA. The conference is held in April, and draws teachers and students from the US and abroad. ADFA cadets have twice won the prize for presenting the best essay by a foreign student at this conference.
What will I study in first year?
Politics 1A in semester 1 and Politics 1B in semester 2.
Do I have to major in Politics if I enrol in Politics 1A and 1B?
Of course not! They are stand-alone subjects. You may decide to major in Politics only after first year--or not at all. Either way, we are happy to have you contribute to Politics 1.
If I major in Politics, what will I study?
You will have a wide range of Politics offerings to choose from. Consider the courses listed on our Courses page. They will be offered at both second and third year levels.