Political Problems and Policy Responses (PPMN90042)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
Contact information
March
Semester 2 (Early-Start)
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | March Semester 2 (Early-Start) |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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 and should be undertaken early in the 200-point Master of Public Policy and Management. Students will problematise policy issues and construct a range of possible policy responses based on fundamental political concepts such as rights, liberalism and democracy. We 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 public governance, public policy and public sector management.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Identify, compare and explain major traditions, trends and challenges and reforms in contemporary political debates and processes of public policy making with an appreciation of the expectations and roles of key actors and institutions in sub-national, national, regional and international contexts
- Comfortably and assuredly work with complexity in terms of information to creatively and expertly distinguish between different dilemmas and opportunities
- Engage in more abstract or esoteric discussions and be able to summarise, synthesise and meaningfully translate into non-specialist language
- Clearly and persuasively communicate with an awareness of cultural norms and sensitivities as well as agility to shift from shorter briefings to longer, detailed presentations
- Assemble and critique case studies
- Consider the importance of upholding at times distinctive public sector ethics and values in making decisions
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should have:
- in-depth knowledge of the disciplines of political science and policy and administration, and the ability to examine governance, policy and public sector reform issues from other disciplinary perspectives.
- critical and strong reasoning skills, and creativity in applying theory and research methods to complex practical problems across diverse contexts.
- effective oral and written communication skills.
- an advanced appreciation of the Asian and Pacific regions, including Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values and sustainable futures.
- autonomy, self-motivation, self-direction and outstanding organisational skills to set goals and manage time and priorities.
- skills in self-assessment, self-awareness, reflective and lifelong learning, with an overriding commitment to personal and professional integrity.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| No longer available |
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPMN90042 | Political Problems and Policy Responses |
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
March (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Recorded oral presentation
| Due on Day 1 of classes | 10% |
Group presentation based on position paper
| Due on Day 4 of classes | 25% |
Summit report
| Due two weeks after Day 5 of classes. | 25% |
Crticial text review
| Due 12 weeks after Day 1 of classes | 40% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- March
Principal coordinator Camille La Brooy Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 contact hours: Delivered intensively over 6 teaching days, scheduled as one standalone day and five consecutive days. Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 9 March 2020 to 24 July 2020 Last self-enrol date 6 April 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 12 June 2020 Assessment period ends 7 August 2020 March contact information
- Semester 2 (Early-Start)
Principal coordinator Camille La Brooy Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 contact hours: Delivered intensively over 6 teaching days, scheduled as one standalone day and five consecutive days. Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 20 July 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 7 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 (Early-Start) contact information
Time commitment details
340 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Public Policy and Management Specialisation (formal) Public Policy and Management Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Public Policy and Management - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022