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Public Policy in the Asian Century (PPMN90030)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
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Fees | Look up fees |
The rise of Asia will be a defining feature of the 21st century and holds the potential to generate a paradigm shift in how we understand public policy, administration and management. Australian policy makers are actively turning their attention to the policy, governance and practice changes required to maintain Australia’s economic and political influence in the region, while broadening and strengthening relationships with Asian nations.
This subject will provide students with the necessary foundations for creating, analysing and implementing public policy in the context of the Asian Century. In the first instance, students will consider what is meant by the Asian Century in relation to shifting economic, political and social power and what this means for international relations and governance. Students will explore what it means to be ‘Asia capable’. In particular, the course will examine how key Asian nations view and action public policy in order to understand key differences and similiarities in the way public policy is conceptualized and acted on from a Western perspective. As part of this, students will explore how key Western-style institutions, practices and orientations which comprise ‘public administration’, ‘public management’ and ‘public governance’ might be limited by or changed within the context of increasing Asian influence in the global and regional public policy sphere.
This highly interactive course will engage important theoretical discussions and translate key concepts into practice through the exploration of case studies from across the Asian region. Students will engage with the ongoing public debate about 'the Asian Century' to explore how it may shape the content (i.e. what does public policy include/exclude), construct (i.e. what are the differences in terms of how public policy is viewed) and conduct (i.e. how public policy is made and realised) of future public policy.
Upon successful completion of this subject, students will be better placed to understand and engage with public policy in the context of the Asian Century.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Explain what is meant by the Asian Century and its broader implications for Australia's public policy environment, along with the future role of regional institutions
- Expertly distinguish between different dilemmas and opportunities given the growing influence of Asian public policy, and to tailor strategies to empower a range of key actors in domestic cultural, education, social and other policy spheres
- Engage in more abstract or esoteric discussions and be able to summarise, synthesise and meaningfully advise key policy community stakeholders correctly using both specialist and non-specialist language
- Clearly and persuasively communicate to diverse audiences ranging from high-level government delegations to local communities with an awareness of cultural norms and sensitivities as well as agility to shift from shorter briefings to longer, detailed presentations
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: 31 January 2024