Governing Challenges 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Total of 120 hours

Entry into a masters level course in the Melbourne School of Government or its partner faculties

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

This subject examines contemporary issues in governing, the challenges this creates for policy actors, and how they are addressed. It draws on the expertise of prominent academic and practitioner visitors to the Melbourne School of Government and reflects the core research areas of the Melbourne School of Government. Students will have the opportunity to explore these issues through various topics areas under these themes: Governance and Performance; Knowledge and Expertise in Public Policy; Risk, Security and Representation; and Governing Markets.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• Understand contemporary challenges in governing in both theory and practice;
• Appreciate the connections between various academic disciplines and how this informs theory and practice in governing;
• Understand the critical role of policy actors across the corporate, non-government, and government sectors;
• Explore the local, national, regional, and global factors that impact on these policy actors and their environment.

A research paper of 2500 words (50%) due week starting 18 May, and a policy brief of 2500 words (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, seminar attendance is compulsory on all 3 days. Regular participation in class 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.

All readings will be provided on the subject LMS

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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;
• be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of analysis skills to empirical problems;
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.