pol3cap politics, power, and public policy
POLITICS, POWER, AND PUBLIC POLICY
POL3CAP
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject focuses on contemporary Australian public policy, examining the major forces driving policy in a range of different areas, and the implications of this for power in Australia. The subject begins by introducing students to the major theoretical perspectives on power and policy-making, along with the historical and structural factors that shape government in Australia. We then focus in depth on a selection of policy issues that have been central to the political agenda in recent years, including topics such as inequality, welfare reform, industrial relations, environmental policy and media regulation. The aim is to illuminate the power dynamics that are central to understanding politics in Australia, and to give students a deeper understanding of contemporary policy debates. This subject is particularly recommended for students who are planning a career in the media, in government, or in NGOs, and for students who wish to research an Australian topic in their Honours year.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites 15 credit points of any first year Politics subject and 15 credit points of any Humanities and Social Sciences subject, or subject coordinator's approval
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects POL2CAP
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | An Introduction to Australian Public Policy.2nd ed. | Recommended | Maddison, S. + Denniss, R. | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2013 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. An understanding of the major theoretical and empirical issues involved in the study of Australian public policy
- Activities:
- Research paper
02. Write a research paper that demonstrates a broad understanding of the key issues at stake in selected policy areas
- Activities:
- Research paper; exam
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online activities (equivalent to 100 words) | 10 | 01, 02 | |
| One mid-semester take-home exam (equivalent to 1400 words in total). | 35 | 01, 02 | |
| Research paper: 2500 words | 55 | 01, 02 |