Political Science

This course examines the subjects of political leadership and executive government theoretically, methodologically and comparatively. Theoretically, it covers the trajectory of the major approaches to the study of leaders and executives that includes institutionalism, feminism and rational choice theory. Methodologically, it covers different quantitative and qualitative methods that can be employed to address research questions pertaining to leaders and executives. It also looks at leaders and executives comparatively by assessing the leadership and executive experience geographically and institutionally. Additional topics to be addressed may include political communication, non-elected leaders (e.g. advisors and judges) and the executive experience at sub and supranational levels of government.

This course applies theories of comparative and international political economy to important issues of current and historical concern. Current issues include the politics of rising income and wealth inequality; debates over redistribution via welfare and taxation in a changing global economy; the politics of international trade in democracies and non-democracies; the impact of globalization and growth on the global environment and the politics of climate protection; the impact of the rise of China and other emerging countries on policy, politics and institutions in advanced countries; the politics of monetary and exchange rate management; the political causes of financial instability and the policy and political consequences of financial crises; and the changing nature of institutions and governance in the global political economy. 

This course focuses on the values and ideologies that underpin social policy and public policy in New Zealand. Students examine the economic, political, and institutional arrangements within New Zealand which impact upon policy development and implementation.

This course examines the norms and methods of writing administrative documents. The course is divided into 6 modules: (1) the connotation of administrative document writing; (2) the theme and material of administrative document; (3) the format and structure of administrative document; (4) the applicable language and rhetoric of administrative document; (5) the administrative document rules and procedures; (6) various types of administrative document writing. 

This course examines Australian politics from a historical perspective. It explores the foundation and working of democracy, the formation and transformation of the party system, and the relationship of politics to broader changes in society. The first part follows a chronological structure, beginning with traditional Indigenous government and extending through the colonial era to the present day, while the second examines a range of themes such as federation, nationalism and republicanism, women, gender and politics, rural politics, Indigenous politics and the media.

This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic study of international political economy (IPE). It attempts to address major IPE theoretical approaches and issues within the field such as trade, finance, and capital movement. 

With the different food crisis and increased protectionism, agriculture is coming back in the policy makers' agendas. Food security, food sovereignty, and sustainability are now central to the debate. This course provides an understanding of the main challenges facing the world food markets. It introduces the basis of agricultural economics and policy with a particular focus on the European Common Agricultural Policy. The role of international institutions and trade liberalization is also discussed, in particular concerning developing countries. Agricultural specificities in the WTO and regional negotiations are detailed. Finally, policy evaluation tools are briefly presented, based on some examples.

This course places social media, fake news, and artificial intelligence at the heart of debates on political dysfunction and instability. Students explore how populist leaders use communication strategies, how global powers deploy public diplomacy to advance their interests, and the role of communication and propaganda in modern warfare. Through diverse theoretical approaches and global case studies, students critically examine how media shapes political power, cultural narratives, and globalization. The course also investigates how popular culture – films, TV and video games – reflects and influences political moments, offering new insights into contemporary crises.