Political Economy

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 120 hours

Politics and International Studies at Level 1

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/

This subject applies theories of political economy to issues of domestic and global concern. It focuses on the roles and institutions of government and markets, how these have been defined traditionally and how they have been changing over time. Select current issues and debates are examined to illustrate the complex interdependencies of government, markets and business in modern liberal democracies like that of Australia. These will include globalization, neo-liberalism, economic regulation and deregulation, international trade, and governance of financial crises. Students who complete this subject should have an understanding of major theoretical controversies and issues in political economy that inform contemporary developments in, and debates about the relationship between governments, business and markets.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have an understanding of the main 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 and the world;
• have the skills to critically evaluate proposals for restructuring government and adopting market solutions for public purposes.

A research paper of 2000 words (50%) due mid-semester, and a 2-hour exam (50%) held during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% 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.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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.

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students.