Political Economy

Subject 672-366 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
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: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: 12.5 points of Level 1 & 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

Contact

Prof. Brian Galligan

galligan@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject studies liberal and critical theories of political economy. It focuses on the roles and institutions of government and markets; how these have been defined traditionally and have been changing over time. Select current issues and debates are included to illustrate the complex interdependencies of government and business in modern liberal democracies like that of Australia. These will include globalization, deregulation and privatization, public-private partnerships, competition policy and corporate social responsibility. Students who complete this subject should have an understanding of key theoretical contemporary aspects of political economy that inform current developments in, and debates about business and government.
Objectives:
  • 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;
  • 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: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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.
Notes: Available as a Breadth subject
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Studies Major
International Studies Major
Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies

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