This course introduces students to frameworks and theories for understanding the political and institutional context of contemporary policy making. Particular emphasis in the course is given to how various political, regulatory, administrative and communicative institutions shape the process and outcomes of public policy. Throughout the course students will engage critically in ideas on the structures of policy making, including the role of constitutions, the executive, the bureaucracy, the judiciary and other regulators, political parties, elections and the media. The public policy consequences of different jurisdictional arrangements is also examined looking at the benefits and challenges of centralisation and decentralization. Students will also consider how globalization and the proliferation of transnational policy issues are challenging national systems of government.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the political and institutional context of public policy;
- reflect critically on how institutions shape the process and outcomes of public policy;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the role and changing nature of state and non-state institutions (including global institutions) in contemporary public policy;
- develop convincing arguments and recommendations on the most appropriate governance structures for achieving particular policy goals; and
- demonstrate the ability to think independently, and persuasively communicate ideas in relation to the institutional and governance aspects of public policy institutions.
Indicative Assessment
- Assessment 1: Critical Review (20%) (20) [LO null]
- Assessment 2: Policy Memo (35%) (35) [LO null]
- Assessment 3: Major Essay (45%) (45) [LO null]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
10 hours per week: 3-4 hours in class and the remainder in individual and group studyInherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
See wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.