POAD8017 Contemporary Public Policy: Theoretical Perspectives

This topic aims to develop your critical understanding of some of the main theories and issues shaping developments in contemporary public policy (as well as their implications). It is designed to develop your understanding of how to critically evaluate such theories and issues, as well as how to assess contemporary policy problems in light of key theoretical arguments and principles. To achieve this, you will examine and critically evaluate a range of theories, issues and approaches to contemporary public policy and apply your understanding of these theoretical perspectives to contemporary policy issues. You will also develop your capacity to undertake independent research and communicate your analysis and findings clearly and directly in your written and/or other assignments.

This topic aims to develop a critical understanding of:

• Some of the main theories and issues shaping developments in contemporary public policy and their implications
• How to critically evaluate some of the main theories and issues shaping developments in contemporary public policy
• How to assess policy problems in the context of key theoretical arguments and principles

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of some of the main theories and issues shaping developments in contemporary public policy
2. Critically evaluate some of the main theories and issues shaping developments in contemporary public policy
3. Assess policy problems in the context of key theoretical arguments and principles
4. Demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research and communicate their analyses and findings clearly and directly in their written and/or other assignments