Undergraduate MAQ-POIX207-2018

Governance, Power and Public Policy

Currently MAQ-POIX2070-2020

Get a thorough overview of the process of developing Australian government policy. Query the role of the public service. Shine a light on dilemmas that can arise. Draw on local examples that illustrate the complexity of the policy-making process.

Study method

100% online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 30,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

QS RANKING 2021

Times Higher Education Ranking 2021

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

show that different theoretical lenses can be used to explain the development of public policy, and expound conflicts and agreements between different approaches
analyse the links between information, 'facts' and judgment in explaining policy outcomes
use intelligible argument to explicate dilemmas and issues in policy making
undertake research within guidance against stated problems
rehearse controversies around selected contemporary and historical issues of policy
show abilities in written and oral form in communicating ideas, arguments and conclusions.

Topics covered

- Introduction; Government
- Parliament and Policy
- Policy Actors
- The Media as Policy Agenda Settlers; ideology Economics and Public Policy
- Keynes and Neo-Liberalism
- Market Failure
- Globalisation
- Power
- Governance
- Economic Policy
- Social Policy

Entry requirements

Equivalent subjects

You cannot enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

MAQ-PLTX270
MAQ-PLT370

Others

Knowledge of the institutions of Australian government is important for the subject. Students should have studied some politics at 100 level prior to undertaking this subject.

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

This subject was previously known as POIX207 Australian Governments and Public Policy

This subject introduces students to contemporary debates about how public policy problems are addressed. It does this by tracing the change from government to governance and considers the range of policy instruments now regularly used to respond to policy problems. This includes, for example, the use of market based solutions. Students are also introduced to key actors and institutions, as well as to the range of theories for analysing public policy.

Assessments

Online/in-class (10%)
Quizzes (50%)
Research Essay (40%)

Textbooks