Public Affairs Internship

Subject 166-043 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.00
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: To be determined in consultation with organisation officers and program staff
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: 25 points of Level 1 Politics and International Studies, and 37.5 points of Level 2 Politics and International Studies.
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

Mr Thomas William D'Arc Davis

Contact

Dr. Tom Davis
tdavis@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: In this subject students will have active experience working for a senior person with a policy-making and management role in a local government, non-government or community-based organisation. Students will be required to use their own networks to make an initial contact with a potential organisation; their choice will then need to be ratified by the School. The central task will be to complete a policy report of relevance to the organisation. Students who complete this subject should have well-developed analytical, research, interviewing and report-writing skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services; and have high-level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people involving several tiers of government and a plurality of interests.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of the organisation in which they are placed and of their policy making responsibilities, approaches and contexts;
  • have well-developed analytical, research, interviewing and report-writing skills;
  • have practical skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services;
  • have high level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people in and connected with their placement.
Assessment: A research essay of 6000 words 75% and a reflective essay of 2000 words 25% (both due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: None
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 policy research reports or work portfolios.
  • Be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through report writing, workplace discussion and presentations.
  • Be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through report writing and workplace discussion.
  • Be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading and the completion of work assignments and assessment.
  • Be able to participate in team work through involvement in internship placements.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-043. Students who have completed 166-043 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Students will only be permitted to take one political science internship as part of a BA. This subject has a quota of 30 students per semester. An application process applies.

The Public Affairs Internship is not available as a Breadth subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Public Policy and Management
Diploma in Arts (Political Science)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies

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