Health Politics, Policy & Governance

Subject 166-537 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

May, - 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

Intensive

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours taught intensively in May
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 6.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Public Policy and Management, or Master of Social Policy.
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

Assoc Prof John Lawrence Fitzgerald

Contact

Assoc. Prof. John Fitzgerald

jlfitz@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject focuses on critically analysing politics, policy and governance in relation to health. It asks students to examine the institutions, structures and organisations that shape the policy process in health, consider how health problems are defined and how change occurs, and explore contemporary issues in the field. The subject explores a range of significant themes and issues, including: new modes of governance; changing forms of organisation, particularly networks and partnerships; policy paradigms; the role of the professions, and various critical issues in health in Australia and other OECD countries. On completion of the subject students should have an understanding of policy and governance in relation to health, and knowledge of the major contemporary issues in the field.
Objectives:
  • appreciate the various structures that shape and constrain policy and governance in relation to health;
  • comprehend the main contemporary issues in health policy and governance;
  • understand organisations and networks, the role of ideas and the role of professions in the health policy process;
  • have critical thinking and analysis skills in relation to health policy;
  • have the capacity to think in theoretical terms about policy and governance in the health field;
  • have the ability to undertake independent research.
Assessment: A policy problem outline of 1500 words, 30% (due end of classes); and a policy case study of 3500 words 70% (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:

Lewis, JM (2005) Health Policy and Politics: Networks, Ideas and Power;

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:
  • to be able to demonstrate competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgments and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;
  • to be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of policy analysis skills to empirical problems;
  • to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.
Notes:


Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Master of Social Health (Aboriginal Health)
Master of Social Health (Health Ethics)
Master of Social Health (Health Policy)
Master of Social Health (Interdisciplinary)
Master of Social Health (Medical Anthropology)
Master of Social Policy

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