PLT3350

Post-industrial policies and politics

Colin Rubenstein

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject aims to promote an understanding by students of the changing characteristics of emerging post-industrial societies and the implications for contemporary political issues and the nature and conduct of politics. It does so through analysing the main stages in, and theories of, the public policy process; by analysing several policy areas; and by reflecting upon the implications for the acccountability and effectiveness of democracies.

Synopsis This subject focuses on the policy processes, structures, and a range of post-industrial policy areas, such as energy; science and technology; economic innovation and restructuring; environmentalism; multiculturalism and immigration policies; defence and foreign policies; the role of the expert in the policy process; and analysis of post-industrial society and its political implications.

Assessment Essay (3000 words): 40%
* Seminar participation and presentation: 10%
* Examination (3 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Bell D The coming of post-industrial society Harper and Row, 1973
Clawson P (ed.) Energy and national security in the 21st century National Defence U P, 1995
Davis G and others Public policy in Australia Allen and Unwin, 1988
Jupp J and Kabala M (eds) The politics of Australian immigration AGPS, 1997
Parkin A and others Government, politics, power and policy in Australia 5th edn, Longman Cheshire, 1994