Persuasion for Policymakers (LAWS90311)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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April
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The ability to influence and persuade is a key skill for policymakers and public managers whether it’s presenting advice to senior decision makers, influencing a group in a meeting or building support with stakeholders.

This subject provides a practical introduction to persuasion, exploring both classical and contemporary theories and ideas. It draws on the art of rhetoric and the fields of social psychology, communication and management. Students will be introduced to the key concepts and tools underpinning persuasion and learn how to influence, build rapport and trust. The use of persuasion will be explored in a range of scenarios at the individual and group level through case study analysis and practice-based tasks which will develop students’ hands-on skills.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Identify and explain theories of persuasion and apply them in a public sector context;
  • Analyse and critique different persuasive techniques and their influence on audiences;
  • Craft and present persuasive communication, both written and verbal;
  • Appreciate the differences between power and influence and how these are exercised;
  • Understand the key principles that underpin influence and develop effective strategies to building support.

Generic skills

  • 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.

Last updated: 7 April 2025