Subject details

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

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

  • Topics

    • 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

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit 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

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. 

  • Assignment 1 - Online/in-class (10%)
  • Assignment 2 - Quizzes (50%)
  • Assignment 3 - Research Essay (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Bachelor of Arts