Public Policy in Theory and Practice (8785.2)

This unit introduces students to the origins of and developments in research in the field of public policy and applies these theoretical lenses to contemporary policy challenges. The unit examines the nature of the policy process, the role of key actors and institutions and the challenges of administration and policy implementation. The unit seeks to engage students in the analysis and criticism of both the policy process and policy outcomes.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of the public policy process and the challenges facing policy makers;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key theories developed by public policy scholars for understanding the policy process;
3. Apply these frameworks to real world policy examples; and
4. Demonstrate key skills needed to undertake policy analysis.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures

Skills development

Public Policy in Theory and Practice is designed to help students further develop a number of their graduate attributes. 

Prerequisites

675 Politics and Democracy OR 9548 Introduction to Politics OR 8296 Introduction to Politics and Government OR 9549 Introduction to Western Political Thought OR 6606 Government-Business Relations

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

9555 Ethics and Public Policy

Equivalent units

7074 Introduction to Public Policy 9555 Ethics and Public Policy

Assumed knowledge

None.