Offerings
View how PL2291 is offered in 2004
(Also shows pre-requisites and inadmissible combinations if applicable)

PL2291:03

Australian Public Policy and Politics

[Offered in even-numbered years]

Townsville, Cairns

HECS Band 1

26 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials. Semester 1

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 examination (40%); at least 10% invigilated tutorial work; the remainder, essay work, in accordance with University guidelines on invigilation. Assessment will be finalised after consultation with students.