Contemporary Issues in Governance

Subject 166-470 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 6.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Bachelor of Public Policy and Management , Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma or Honours in Public Policy and Management, Master of Public Policy and Management or Master of Social Policy
Corequisites: This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Public Policy and Management (200 point program)
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

Contact

To be advised
Subject Overview: This subject examines contemporary issues in public policy in Australia and internationally. Students will investigate traditional and emerging governance models, with an emphasis on the changing nature of governance in the network society. The subject will examine the increasing role of civil society and other non-government actors in policy discourses which invoke 'partnerships', 'networking' and 'third way politics'. The subject will combine theoretical work on the nature of contemporary governance with studies of current policy and program debates. On completion of this subject students should have a well developed critical understanding of a range of governance models operating in contemporary society; understand the implications of emergent governance models for civil society and other non-government actors; understand the relationship(s) between global influences and emerging governance frameworks; have developed the analytical skills necessary to apply the above knowledge to critical evaluation of policy development and implementation in Australian and international contexts.
Objectives:
  • have developed skills in policy analysis;
  • have developed the capacity to analyse the institutional context in which policies are developed and implemented;
  • have developed a research capacity for policy analysis;
  • have developed an understanding of models of governance as they apply to public policy;
  • demonstrate competence in advanced research.
Assessment: A 1000-word essay 25% (due early April) and a 4000-word essay 75% (due during the examination period).
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:
  • show competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;
  • demonstrate proficiency in the application of policy analysis skills to empirical problems;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-470. Students who have completed 166-470 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Public Policy and Management 200 point program.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Public Policy and Management
Bachelor of Public Policy and Management(Honours)
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Master of Social Policy
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Public Policy and Management
Public Policy and Management

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