POLITICS, POWER, AND PUBLIC POLICY
POL3CAP
2021
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject focuses on the political dynamics of 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. It then focuses 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, voluntary euthanasia, gambling 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.
SchoolHumanities and Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry
Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Available as ElectiveYes
Learning ActivitiesResearch paper; exam
Capstone subjectYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsPOL2CAP
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Quota Management StrategyN/A
Quota-conditions or rulesN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Minimum credit point requirementN/A
Assumed knowledgeN/A
Career Ready
Career-focusedNo
Work-based learningNo
Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A
Entire subject or partial subjectN/A
Total hours/days requiredN/A
Location of WBL activity (region)N/A
WBL addtional requirementsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
Graduate Capabilities
Intended Learning Outcomes
Subject options
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Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.00 h lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 h tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Category | Contribution | Hurdle | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online and tutorial activities (equivalent to 200 words)The activities will test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject. | N/A | N/A | No | 15 | SILO1, SILO2 |
One mid-semester take-home exam (equivalent to 1400 words in total).This exam will test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject | N/A | N/A | No | 35 | SILO1, SILO2 |
Research paper: 2400 wordsThis assignment will require students to research and write an essay on a specific topic related to the subject material. | N/A | N/A | No | 50 | SILO1, SILO2 |