PL2291:04
*NOTE* Australian Public Policy and Politics
Townsville, Cairns
Prerequisites: 3 units of level 1 PL subjects or equivalent
Inadmissable Subject Combination: PL2293 PL3291 PL3293
26 lectures, 13 tutorials, 11 seminars. First semester
Staff: Dr D Hunt.
This subject examines the context, process and problems of public policy in Australia. It does this via a framework of public policy defined as government decisions, produced by the interaction of values, interests and resources, shaped by institutions and mediated by politics. The analysis of these factors is applied to the study of a range of specific policy areas. The lecture and tutorial program covers the Australian public policy context; the role of parties, parliament and cabinet in policy formulation and several policy case studies. A seminar program examines the influence of selected organisations (including pressure groups and statutory authorities) on public policy.
Learning Objectives:
- demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in public policy and their application to Australian politics;
- understand and contribute to contemporary policy debate in Australia;
- use research and analytical skills pertinent to the practice of public policy;
- critically review academic, political and government literature;
- develop written and verbal communication skills.
Assessment by seminar presentation and paper, essay, participation and an examination, weightings to be determined after consultation with students.