Economics For Public Policy

Subject 316-685 (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:

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: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Enrolment in the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Public Policy and Management), Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Public Policy and Management), Master of Public Policy and Management or the 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

Mrs Rhonda Lynette Smith
Subject Overview: This subject focuses on the relationship between economics and politics. It explores the role and limitations of economic analysis in public policy. Economics principles and methods are applied in order to analyse public policy issues and the importance of rigorous analysis in problem solving is emphasised. The policy areas likely to be covered include public finance, industry policy, competition policy, micro-economic reform, taxation and income distribution, as well as as health, education and infrastructure provision. The emphasis is on current issues and so the actual policies covered may vary in response to current events.
Objectives: On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • Apply economic concepts in a rigorous way in a public policy context, but in a way that is useful to non-economists;
  • Analyse policy-related information to identify relevant matters for economic analysis;
  • Combine different economic theories in a way that is meaningful and useful in developing and assessing public policies over a range of subject areas;
  • Evaluate the relevance of alternative economic theories for analysing different policy issues.
Assessment: Written assessment totalling not more than 4000 words (60%) and a 2-hour examination (40%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

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

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Written communication
  • Oral communication
  • Problem solving
  • Application of theory to practice
  • Interpretation and analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Receptiveness to alternative ideas.

Related Course(s): Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Master of Social Policy

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