Course overview
To explain the history of Australian electoral experiments and the most important features and controversies around them. Shortcomings in current arrangements will also be scrutinised. Topics to be covered include: Australian suffrage rights in comparative perspective; voting and its democratic purposes; whether voting is a right or a duty (or both); compulsory voting, its pros and cons; whether voter turnout levels matter; the problem of electoral disinformation and its regulation in Australia; the growing problem of election conspiracism; the nature and ethics of militant democracy; securing electoral representation for indigenous Australians; addressing the voting exclusion of incarcerated citizens; exploring the voting exclusion of people experiencing homelessness; the ethics of lowering the voting age in Australia; and the problem of informal voting.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 23903
Section FR01
Size 80
Available 79
Class number 28802
Section TU01
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 28801
Section TU02
Size 25
Available 24
Class number 28803
Section TU03
Size 25
Available 25
Class number 29217
Section TU04
Size 25
Available 25
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.