PCY1001

The policy context: Australian polity and society

Colin Rubenstein, Chris Chamberlain

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Caulfield

Objectives On successful completion of the subject students should have developed an understanding of the historical evolution of the modern Australian society and polity; have developed an understanding of changing ideologies of the Australian State; have developed a comprehension of the socio-demographics and ethnicities of modern Australia and their impacts on policy priorities; comprehend the central features of the Australian machinery of governance, eg federalism, and their impact on policy development.

Synopsis This subject is taught in a tri-modular format by staff numbers of the departments of Anthropology and Sociology, History and Politics. The subject will impart in students an understanding of the evolution and nature of Australia's social and political order, including appropriate international comparisons. A central theme of the subject will be the changing nature of State and society in Australia and the impact of those change on policy making and policy priorities. Topics discussed will include a consideration of Kelly's notion (1992) of a 19th century, Australian settlement and its dismemberment in the late 20th century; the politics of a policy of 'domestic defence' (Castles 1988) and the challenge of globalisation; multi-cultural or multi-ethnic Australia?; the protective State (Hancock 1930); the minimal State and its ideologies; equality, inequality and poverty in late 20th century Australia; the changing class structure; regionalism and metropolitanism; the impact of federalism on policy formation; the modern political and administrative structures, parliament, and their policy consequences.

Assessment Essay (2000 200 words): 40% - Examination (2 hours): 40% - Tutorial presentation: (500 words) 20%,

Recommended texts

To be advised.

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