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Foundations in Politics and Policy (PPMN90042)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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This subject is designed to introduce students to key ideas from political science, providing a foundation for further study in governance, public policy and public management. This subject is highly recommended for those students accepted into the 200-point Master of Public Policy and Management who do not have a major area of study related to political science or policy and for those undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.

Students will begin by exploring fundamental political concepts such as rights, liberalism and democracy and will consider how these concepts have and continue to shape the practice of politics and government in Australia and elsewhere. We will then focus in on the role and function of key political actors and institutions paying particular attention to how they influence and impact on public policy processes and outcomes. Upon completion of this subject, students will be familiar with the major theoretical concepts, institutions and actors in political science that are most relevant to policy and management.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should:



  • be able to understand, explain and engage with major political ideas;
  • have a solid understanding of the institutional structures and key actors in politics;
  • be able to understand and critically apply competing theories to political questions and problems;
  • be able to engage with contemporary political issues and debates;
  • be able to argue a considered position in oral and written presentations; and
  • have developed a solid background for further studies in governance, public policy and public management.

Generic skills

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

Last updated: 3 November 2022