Single subject — no qualification is awarded on completion. Credits toward the qualifications listed below.
This subject is FEE-HELP eligible, so eligible students can defer the $2,174 fee as a government loan and pay nothing upfront.
Fees and funding are indicative only. Confirm your eligibility and final costs with the provider.
A student visa requires a full-time CRICOS-registered course, and single subjects have no CRICOS registration. If you’re studying in Australia on a student visa, you’ll need a full qualification instead.
See CRICOS-registered alternativesThis level 3 (i.e. third year) subject focuses on the political dynamics of domestic Australian public policy, examining the major forces shaping policy in a range of different areas, and exploring what this reveals about power in Australia. In the first section of the subject, you will be introduced to some of the key concepts and debates that underpin the study of public policy, examining whether policy-making is a rational process and the different ways in which power can be understood (and exercised). You will also examine some of the major historical and structural factors that shape policy, and the extent to which this varies between countries, focusing on gun control and media policy as case studies. In the second section of the subject, the focus shifts to "morality politics". You will examine the philosophical debate over the government regulation of individual behaviour on moral grounds and examine the implications of these debates for public policy, focusing particularly on gambling regulation and voluntary euthanasia. The third section of the subject then examines the relationship between the government and the market. You will examine some of the major theoretical perspectives on this topic, focusing particularly on historical institutionalism, Marxism and power resource theory; and explore how these analytical frameworks can help explain the changing role of the government in the economy, the rise of neoliberalism, and climate change policy. The final section of the subject focuses on a range of policy issues linked to questions of social justice. It examines domestic policy towards First Nations people as an on-going site of colonisation; stability and change in industrial relations policy and their implications for power in the workplace; and the changing nature of the welfare state and its implications for inequality and disadvantage in Australia. By the end of the subject, you will have a stronger understanding of contemporary policy debates and the power dynamics that are central to shaping politics in Australia. This subject is particularly recommended if who are planning a career working for the media, the government, NGOs, or if you want to deepen your understanding of political change. The teaching format involves a pre-recorded lecture each week along with a synchronous (i.e. "live") tutorial at which attendance is recommended.
Politics, Power and Public Policy is a standalone subject at La Trobe University in VIC. Completing it does not award a qualification. Credit may apply toward the qualifications listed on this page.
No qualification credit mapping has been indexed for this subject yet. The provider may still grant credit toward a related award — confirm with La Trobe University before enrolling.
La Trobe University is the awarding provider. Recorded study modes are Online. Typical duration is listed as 12 weeks. The subject is listed at 25 credit points. Eligible students may defer fees through FEE-HELP.
Details on this page are compiled from the provider's published subject information and government registers. Fees, intakes and credit rules can change — confirm current details with La Trobe University before enrolling.
