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

Exchange StudentsNo

Available as ElectiveYes

Learning ActivitiesResearch paper; essay

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

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Canvas and evaluate the major theoretical and empirical issues involved in the study of Australian public policy

02. Research and analyse key issues at stake in selected policy areas

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment informationN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.00 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.

TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	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	Quizzes	Individual	No	15	SILO1, SILO2
One essay (equivalent to 1400 words in total).This exam will test students' knowledge of a range of topics covered in the subject	N/A	Assignment	Individual	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	Assignment	Individual	No	50	SILO1, SILO2

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 1, Online