Governance

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

340 hours

Entry into the Master of Public Policy and Management

Political Science and / or Public Policy at Undergraduate level

PPMN40004 Contemporary Issues in Governance

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 examines contemporary issues in governance in Australia and internationally. The subject critically examines both traditional and emerging governance models that have dominated recent public sector reform efforts in many parts of the world. The subject focuses on the implications of these changes for the effectiveness, accountability and legitimacy of contemporary democratic governance. The subject will combine theoretical work regarding the nature of contemporary governance with studies of current debates around specific governance initiatives. The subject will look at a range of governance models operating in contemporary society and the implications of emergent governance models for politicians, public officials, non-governmental actors and citizens and the relationship(s) between global influences and emerging governance frameworks.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:

• developed an advanced understanding of competing models of contemporary governance;
• developed the analytical skills necessary to apply a critical evaluation of governance and public sector reform agendas in Australian and international contexts.
• developed advanced skills in analysis of governance models;
• developed a high level capacity to analyse the institutional context in which governance arrangements are developed and implemented; and
• developed a high-level research capacity for analysis of contemporary governance.

March:

A case study exercise of 2,000 words (20%) due week beginning 7 April; A reflective essay of 3,000 words (30%) due week beginning 5 May; An institutional reform project of 5,000 words (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 6 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.

August:

A case study exercise of 2,000 words (20%) due week beginning 25 August; A reflective essay of 3,000 words (30%) due week beginning 22 September; An institutional reform project of 5,000 words (50%) Due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 6 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.

Required readings will be made available electronically via LMS prior to the commencement of the subject's intensive teaching period.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful 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 policy analysis skills to empirical problems;
• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.

A quota of 48 students per semester has been set for this subject. Entry will be determined on a first-in, first-served, basis.