ATS2319 · Public policy: Practice and impact

Overview

In this unit, you will examine the factors that shape public policy outcomes and the consequences (both deliberate and unintended) that result from particular policy choices. The unit focuses principally on liberal democracies and is divided into three sections. You will trace the theoretical and normative debates associated with the state in the policy making process, including an examination of the evolution of the state. You will also explore the institutions and actors that are central to the policy making process, as well as investigate a number of key policy areas.

Areas of study: Politics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. analyse and critically discuss the complexities involved in the formulation and implementation of public policy;
2. evaluate and articulate the role and influence of key players and institutions in the policy process;
3. apply relevant theories to produce and analyse public policy practice and outcomes;
4. present arguments relevant to the topic being analysed and debated.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.