Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand why economists disagree about current economic policy issues in societies like Australia; be able to explain why, in addition to the economic analysis studied in other subjects, it is essential to study the economic views, of the participants in an economic policy disagreement; have developed greater confidence in their ability to discuss economic policy issues; have developed an ability to assess, critically, differing views about economic policy issues advocated both by individuals and organisations.
Synopsis A comparative study, integrating economic analysis and economic ideology, which seeks to explain why there is disagreement about current economic policy issues in Australia. Among the economic policy issues to be discussed are manufacturing industry policy, including tariffs, industry planning and microeconomic reform; the funding and organisation of school and university education; taxation - flat and progressive income tax, poll tax, wealth tax and consumption tax; social welfare provision - government, voluntary charity, family; environmental sustainability; enterprise bargaining and centralised wage fixation; worker participation in enterprises; policies towards inflation and unemployment; privatisation of public enterprises; and who, if anyone, holds economic power.
Assessment Written (2000-word essay): 25% + Participation in discussion classes: 15% + Examination (2.5 hours): 60%