Australian Political Economy

Subject 672-366 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty contact hours per semester. One 2-hour lecture per week for 10 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually one first-year politics subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Brian Galligan
Subject Overview:

This subject studies the contemporary Australian political economy, including the impact of globalisation and the change from protective state to competition policy and contracting out. Topics include liberal and critical theories of political economy relevant to Australian history and practice; the roles of government and markets; the impact of globalisation; current debates over deregulation and privatisation; and institutional restructuring. Students who complete this subject should have an understanding of liberal and critical theories of political economy that are relevant for understanding Australian history and practice; be familiar with the Australian political economy tradition and current debates over the roles of government and the market; have studied some of the major issues of public policy and economic management facing Australia today; and have the skills to critically evaluate proposals for restructuring government and adopting market solutions for public purposes.

Assessment: A short review paper of 500 words 15% (due mid-semester), a research paper of 1500 words 40% (due end of semester), and a 2-hour exam 45% (held during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

  • be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

  • be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

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