PL2294 - Governing Australia

[Offered in odd-numbered years in Cairns, Townsville, Cairns. ]

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject explores the political environment and institutional arrangements through which governments operate in Australia. It examines the role of the state and public sector, developments in public administration, and federalism. The subject focuses on ideas and processes of public sector change, including corporatisation and privatisation; competing models of service delivery; accountability and ethics in government. Emphasis is also given to intergovernment relations, including moves for systemic reform. The central theme addressed by the subject is the quality of Australian governance; the key problem is - what should government do?

Learning Outcomes

• understand the institutions, principles and values underpinning Australian governance;
• understand contemporary developments and issues in public sector management;
• acquire a sound knowledge of intergovernment relations in Australia;
• develop research and analytical skills pertinent to work in government;
• contribute to debate about public administration, the public sector, and accountability.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically.

Assumed Knowledge:	To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	PL2292 PL3294 PL5294

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Douglas Hunt.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 10 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); essays (50%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Douglas Hunt.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 10 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); essays (50%).
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 22-Mar-2012
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Douglas Hunt.
Method of Delivery:	and CDROMWWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); assignments (60%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.