Policy and Practice in Australian Politics

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
POLI 2000
Course ID icon
Course ID
201021
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

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.

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
  • Engage in oral and written public debate on real world case studies which exemplify general principles about policy-making and government practice

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A