Course overview
This course covers key political and policy issues for the 21st century with a particular emphasis on the factors that shape government policies. The first part of the course focuses on issues of economic, social and ideological change and their political implications for social policy making. Here the role played by the electoral system, policy-makers, political parties and the media in policy formation is critically examined. In the second part of the course specific social policies, such as employment, health, income maintenance, are examined in relation to key policy drivers and underpinnings including demographic factors, globalisation, and political ideology.
- Context and Ideas
- Policy in Practice
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse the major social policies, concepts and debates in relation to contemporary Australian politics
- Understand the relevant social, historical, economic, ideological and international contexts and constraints in which social policy development and debates occur
- Discuss the political, social and economic factors that guide and constrain government policies and practices
- Critically analyse government policy-making
- Produce analytically sophisticated, well substantiated and cogently argued written material that draws on actual policy outcomes in recent Australian political history
Degree list
The following degrees include this course