POLI2011 Australian Public Policy: Applications, Issues and Dilemmas

Professor Andrew Parkin

2016

4.5

1 x 2-hour seminar weekly

POLI2015 has been successfully completed

Associated majors: Public Policy; Political Studies; Australian Studies

Bachelor of Government and Public Management; Bachelor of Social Planning

Written assignments, on-line multiple choice quizzes, examination.

Behind the everyday politics played out in Parliament and the media are debates on public policy issues which will determine the future direction of our economy and society. This topic examines current debates in major policy areas such as climate change, health, welfare and indigenous affairs. It seeks to identify both the principles of public policy which are being applied and the practical politics which will determine outcomes.

To provide students with the opportunity to:

identify the issues at stake in debates about particular policy issues and controversies
explore in detail the key issues and dilemmas which are shaping public policy in a number of major policy areas
analyse the role of policy communities, other stakeholders and the media in shaping policy debate
compare the Australian experience with other relevant political systems
provide students from a variety of backgrounds and interests - including political science, social work and business studies - with a practical and applied focus for their studies
encourage and develop a good standard of academic and professional written presentations

On successful completion of this topic students should be able to:

engage in an informed manner with policy controversies and debates; understand the major issues, debates and dilemmas characterising a range of policy domains
assess the character and appropriateness of various policies and programs
understand how the interaction between policy makers, the political process, and the community determines the outcomes of policy debates
appreciate the nature of and changing dynamics in the relationship between professional public servants and elected politicians and its impact on public policy
have advanced their skills in critical reading, professional writing, bibliographic research, academic analysis and verbal argument

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2016 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.