Contemporary Issues in Governance

Subject PPMN40004 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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. If enrolments exceed 35, the 2nd hour of the seminar may be split into 2 or 3 small classes.
Total Time Commitment: 10
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Politics and International Studies or Public Policy at Undergraduate level
Non Allowed Subjects: 166-470 Contemporary Issues in Governance
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Kate Macdonald

Contact

Dr. Kate Macdonald kmac@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject examines the dynamics of contemporary public governance in Australia and overseas. Students will investigate traditional and emerging governance models, with an emphasis on the changing nature of governance in the "network society", against the backdrop of an increasingly global social and economic order. Attention will be given to contemporary changes to the organisation of the public sector in both industrialised and non-OECD countries, and to the increasing role of civil society and other non-governmental actors in contemporary governance processes. 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 2500-word essay (50%) due early April, and a 2500-word essay (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
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: 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
Master of Public Policy and Management (Coursework)
Master of Social Policy
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Public Policy and Management)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Public Policy and Management
Public Policy and Management

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