POLITICS, POWER, AND PUBLIC POLICY
POL3CAP
2019
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 exploring what this reveals about 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.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Nicholas Barry
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: POL2CAP
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: This subject is a third year core for the Politics major.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Prescribed reading wil be provided to students electronically. | Prescribed | Prescribed reading wil be provided to students electronically. | Prescribed reading wil be provided to students electronically. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Canvas and evaluate the major theoretical and empirical issues involved in the study of Australian public policy
- Activities:
- Research paper
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Research and analyse key issues at stake in selected policy areas
- Activities:
- Research paper; exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Adaptability Skills,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicholas 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 400 words) | The activities will test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject. | 10 | 01, 02 |
| One mid-semester take-home exam (equivalent to 1600 words in total). | This exam will test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject | 35 | 01, 02 |
| Research paper: 2500 words | This assignment will require students to research and write an essay on a specific topic related to the subject material. | 55 | 01, 02 |