Department: The Centre for Public Policy, Political Science
Further Details: Contact Professor Brian Galligan, Director, at The Centre for Public Policy, Room 201, 2nd floor, 234 Queensberry Street, Carlton, Vic.
3053 (Ph: 9344.-9480)
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Applicants interested in preliminary studies should also refer to the
Political Science entry in this Guide.
Course Name: Postgraduate Diploma of Public Policy Course Code: 313ÁB
General Infornmation: Applicants interested in preliminary study, in the area of Pub is Policy, should refer to the entry for this diploma in this Guide.
COURSEWORK PROGRAM Course Name: Master of Public Policy
Course Coordinator: Bruce I-leadey
Course Type: Masters by Coursework and Minor Thesis or Coursework only
Course Code: 344АА
Fees: Fees for 1997 can be confirmed by contacting the Faculty of Aria Postgraduate Office, Room 135, Old Arts (Ph: 9344 5321).
General Information: This program is intended for public sector and community sector managers and policy makers who wish to increase their knowledge and skills in the theory and methods of policy design and analysis, their understanding of the institutions and processes of policy making, and their critical appreciation of a range of key topics in contemporary public policy.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites for entry are either an 112А I honours degree or completion of all or part of the Postgraduate Diploma of Public Policy. An accelerated entry provision exists whereby students who have completed four Postgraduate Diploma of Public Policy subjects at I-12А level or above may, apply for accelerated entry into the Masters program. If accelerated entry is granted subjects completed towards the diploma will not be credited to the Masters program. Students, who do not have at least one semester length unit in economics, will be required to take Inцoduction to Public Sector Economics (316-801) offered in the Postgraduate Diploma of Public Policy as an additional unit for their Masters course.
Structure of Course: Candidates undertake:
1. The following compulsory subjects ( 20 points each):
166-614 Advanced Issues in Policy Design and Evaluation (First) 166-899 Constitutional Aspects of Australian Federalism (Second) 2. One of the following alternatives:
a) One elective unit from the list below at b) (20 points) and the following unit (40 points):
166-612 Minor Thesis (14,000 words) (Double)
b) Three elective subjects from the list below (20 points each):
316-621 Economics of the Public Sector (Sесоnd) 166-433 Survey Research Methods(Second) 166-442 Law, Ethics and Public Policy (First)
166-483 The Australian Welfare State in International Perspective (Second)
166-654 Globilisation and Workplace Change in Australia (N/A 1997) 166-658 Government-Business Relations (First)
166-661 Advanced Issues in Asian Public Policy (N/A 1997) 166-664 Executive Internships (First or Second)
Details of Subjects:
166-612 Minor Thesis Semester: Double Credit points: 40
Outline: A departmentally-supervised thesis of 14,000 words on an approved topic, embodying original research. Students completing the minor thesis should demonstrate a specialist understanding of the subject being studied and show an awareness of the latest research directions and methods in the particular subject. Students should also show a capacity for an advanced level of analysis in relation to the issues being studied.
Contact: Independent research Assessnment: A 14,000 word thesis
166-614 Advanced Issues in Policy Design and Evaluation Semester: First
Coordinator: Bruce Headey and John Dryzek Credit points: 20
Outllne:The subject focuses on alternative approaches to the design and
I Pubic Policy - Russian
evaluation of policy programs. We analyse assumptions and theories about the policy process which underlie differing approaches and methods of design and evaluation. Students who complete this subject will have an ability to design policy programs which are operationally effective and politically feasible. They will also develop the practical skills required to conduct evaluations, including the use of survey research and focus groups.
Contact: One two hour seminar a week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words
166-654 Globilisation and Workplace Change in Australia Semester: Second
Coordinators: Ann Capling and Mark Considine Credit points: 20
Outline: The subject examines the significant shifts in work, career, management and workplace organisation which have occurred in the public and private spheres in the past ten years, including: unemployment and underemployment, broadbanding and multi-skilling, total quality management, industrial and EEO democracy, performance evaluation and managerialism, contracting and privatisation.
Contact: One two hour seminar a week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words 166-658 Government-Business Relations Semester: First
Coordinator: Brian Galligan Credit punts: 20
Outline: An advanced seminar which reviews the theory and practice of goveпunent-business relations in Australia and elsewhere. The subject will identify contemporary developments and case examples which familiarise students with the theoretical and practical and normative issues at stake for both sides of this important relationship.
Contact: One two hour seminar per week
Assessment: Two essays totalling not more than 6,000 words 316-621 Economics of the Public Sector
Semester: Second
Coordinator: Neville Norman Credit points: 20
Outline: This subject is designed to provide students with a framework derived from economics within which to analyse public policy issues. This framework will be developed by considering current policy issues. The subject covers issues relevant to public finance such as federal-state financial relations, taxation and income distribution; aspects of micro economic reform; and environmental issues.
Contact: One two hour seminar per week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words 166-661 Advanced Issues in Asian Public Policy Semester: Not available 1997
Coordinator: Ti be adivsed Credit points: 20
Outline: An advanced seminar which focuses on Asian public policy using both comparative and case study analysis. Students completing this course should have an advanced understanding of Asian Public Policy and knowledge of a range of key contemporary issues of significance. Students will develop skills in research and analysis for both comparative study and evaluating particular cases.
Contact: One two hour seminar per week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words
166-899 Constitutional Aspects of Australian Federalism Semester: Second
Coordinator: Cheryl Saunders Credit points: 20
Outline: An advanced subject which outlines the workings of the Australian federal system, the key aspects of change in federal-state relations in the past ten years, and the major institutional elements in intergovernmental relations in Australia. Students will be required to examine the
constitutions of the Commonwealth and the states and to examine recent cases involving agreements, new powers, and shifts in constitutional authority. The key institutions of the federal system will also be examined.
The course is designed to equip students to interpret the major legal imperatives governing state and federal officials in Australia and provide an understanding of the main sources of change and dynamism in the constitutional system as it pertains to public policy in Australia. Students would be expected to develop analytical skills in the identification and interpretation of selected legal and institutional precepts as they impact upon public policy.
Contact: One two hour seminar per week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words 166-664 Executive Internship
Semester: First or Second Coordinator: Rosemary Kiss Credit points: 20
Quota: This subject will be restricted by a quota for 1997. Please consult the Postgraduate and Social Work Oi11ce, Faculty of Arts for further information.
Outline: Students will be placed in an organisation which either has governmental responsibilities or deals with government, where they will work under the supervision and guidance of a senior manager in the organisation.
They will carry out research or analytical exercises of relevance to the organisation which will he involved in high-level and complex policy-making. Students will study the structure, culture and policy environment of the organisation and develop advanced analytical, research and report-writing skills; as well as negotiating and interpersonal skills.
Students completing this course should expect acquire significant insight into the complexities of policy-making and management. During the internship students will be advised by an academic supervisor.
Contact: Approximately 2 days per week for the duration of the semester Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words
166-443 Survey Research Methods Seпester: Second
Coordinator: Bruce lcadcy Credit points: 20
Outline: This subject involves hands-on experience in designing and pilot testing a survey. It teaches students how to use surveys appropriately to answer research questions, covering questionnaire design, construction of valid indices, and use of pilot tests to improve design. Attention is given to issues of sampling, techniques for reducing and correcting measurement error, and statistical methods of analysing survey data, including structural equation modelling with the LISREL software. Students completing this course should expect to understand the strengths and weaknesses of public opinion surveys - their value for different research projects, be able to design a questionnaire and have learned about sampling theory - how to draw a sample. Students should also expect to have an appreciation of the value and use of recent advances in field work to reduce measurement error in surveys and have learned statistical methods, including structural equations methods, for analysing survey data.
Contact: One twohour seminar per week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words
■ RUSSIAN
Department: Gennaic Studies and Russian Course Coordinator: Dr P Cubberley
Further Details: Contact the department imee located at room 311, 3rd floor, Babel building (Ph:9344-5193)
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Course Nano: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Russian and Slavonic Studies) Course Code: 948AÁ
General Infornrution: Applicants interested in preliminary studies should refer to the entry for this diploma in this Guide.
RESEARCH PROGRAM Course Name: M.А. in Russian
Course Type: Masters by Thesis Course Code: 102ID
Fees: Fees for 1997 can be confirmed by contacting the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Olice, Room 135, Old Arts (Ph: 9344 5321).
Principal. Areas of SpeciaІisation: Russian language - all periods; Russian literature of various periods with special concentration on the 19th and 20th centuries; typology of the modem Slavonic languages; phonetics of the Slavonic languages.
Structure of Course: Candidates undertake a 30,000 word thesis ott a topic approved by the Course Coordinator. The thesis may be written in either Russian or English, however candidates are required to submit a 3,000 word summary in the other language (Russian or English), and to pass an oral examination in that other language before submitting the thesis. All
Russian - Social Rescarch Mcthods ■ candidates arc expected to take an active part in the postgraduate seminar.
Enrolment consists of the following unit:
126-603 Major Thesis (100 points)
Course Nanre: MA in Applied L.inguistcis (Russian?
Course Туре: Masters by Coursework and Minor Thesis Course Code: 102ÁK
Fees: Fees for 1997 can be confrned by contacting the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate O(fìee, Room 135, Old Arts (Ph; 9344 5321)
Details of this course are listed under Applied Linguistics in this guide.
Note: In general, the School ofLsnguwges encourages MA students to write the thesis in the target language. but, where appropriate, following consultаtioп with the department, a thesis in English may be approved.
■ RUSSIAN STUDIES
Department: Centre for Russian and Euro-Asian Studies Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. S Wheatcroft
Further i etails: Contact the Centre located at 135 Barry Street, Carlton (Ph:
9344-5956, Fax: 9344-5590).
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
М.A. Preliminary course is not offered in this discipline. Applicants interested in preliminary studies should refer to the Centre for Russian and Euго-Asian Studies.
Course Name: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Russian Studies) Course Code: 643AA
Gспегid Information: Applicants should refer to the postgraduate diploma entry in this guide, offered as an alternative to a preliminary program.
RESEARCII PROGRAM Course Name: M.A. in Russian Studies
Course Type: Masters by'l'hesis Course Code: 102RA
Fees: Fees for 1997 can be confirmed by contacting the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate O(fce, Room 135, Old Arts (Ph: 9344 5321).
Principal Arcas of Specialisation: Russian history, politics, and political economy; Russian literature.
Special Application Requirements: intermediate level Russian language or above.
Structure of Cоиrse: Candidates undertake a 30,000 word thesis on a topic approved by the Course Coordinator. Enrolment consists of the following unit:
126-637 Major Thesis (100 points)
COURSEWORK PROGRAM Course Nanre: M.А. in Russian Studies
Course Type: Masters by Coursework and Minor Thesis Course Code: 102RB
Fees: Fees for 1997 can be confirmed by contacting the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Office, Room 135, Old Arts (Ph: 9344 5321).
Stmroure of Course: Candidates undertake four single semester subjects (each 16.7 points) and a minor thesis (33.3 points), as set out below.
1. The following thesis component:
131-603 Minor Thesis (14,000 words)
2. The equivalent of four single-semester subjects chosen from the following list:
126-459 Advanced Russian A (First) 126-629 Modem Russian Literature (First)
131-41 1 Glasnost and the Reconstruction of Soviet History (Second) 166-336 The Political Economy of Russia (N/A 1997)
166-624 Theory and Method in Comparative Politics (First)
Note: An alternative higher level Russian language unit may be taken with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
Details of Subjects: Details of the undergraduate level subjects listed above can be found in The University of Melbourne Undergraduate Handbook 1997.
126-629 Modern Russian Literature Semester: First
Lecturer: Mrs S Witheridge Credit points: 16.7
Objectives: To give students an understanding of recent and current developments in Soviet and post-Soviet literature.
Content: Various topics in modem Soviet literature and critical studies of them. The works are to be studied in the original.
Contact: 3 hours per week
Assessment: Regular assignments totalling up to 6000 words 131-603 M' Thesis
Semester: Double Credit points: 33.3
Content: A minor thesis on a topic approved by the Course Coordinator.
Assessment: A thesis of 14,000 words
166-624 Theory and Method in Comparative Politics Semester: First
Coordinator: Leslie Holmes
Credit points: 8.33 (1020C), 16.7 (1020F)
Objectives: By the end of the subject students should be familiar with the main developments in the discipline since 1945, which is seen as a necessary pre-requisite to conducting research in this field.
Content: Aims to provide an advanced critique of the major post-war theories and methodologies in the sub-discipline of political science known as 'comparative politics. Methods of comparing very different kinds of political subjects are considered. The term unit is broadly understood to include, for instance, political systems, political ideologies and political cultures.
Contact: One two hour seminar a week Assessment: Written work totalling 6000 words
■ SOCIAL RESEARCH METHODS
Department: Geography and Environmental Studies Course Coordinator: Dr Ray Wyatt
Further Details: Contact the department office located at room 211, Old Commerce building (Ph. 9344-6339, Fax: 344-4972)
Contact: Dr RayWyatt (Ph. 9344 6342) or
• email: [email protected] PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Course Nanre: Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Social Research Methods) Course Code: 293AÁ
General Information: Applicants interested in preliminary studies should refer to the entry for this diploma in this Guide.
COURSEWORK PROGRAM Course Name: M.A. in Social Research Methods Course Type: Masters by Coursework and Minor Thesis CourscCodc: 102iIE
Fees: Fees for 1997 can be confirmed by contacting the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Office, Room 135, Old Arts (Ph: 9344 5321).
General Information: This course aims to provide candidates with skills in gathering, processing, interpreting and reporting on data about social issues and policy.
Prerequisites:. Admission requires (i) an honours degree in social science with an avergae of 12А or above, or (ii) completion of 50 points from the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Social Research Methods), with an average of II2A or above, or (iii) a pass degree and substantial experience in social research or social policy.
Structure of Course: The course requires one year of full-time or two years of part-time study. Candidates must complete 100 points of work, which includes a thesis component, as set out below. Candidates who have already completed 50 points of the Postgraduate Diploma need to complete 121-619 and two other subjects.
1. The following compulsory unit (50 points):
121-619 Research Design and Thesis
■ Social Research Methods
2. At least two of the following elective subjects (12.5 points each):
121-618 introduction to Statistical Methods and Computing (Double)
166-617 'file Depth Interview and Psychosocial Research (N/А 1997)
166-626 Survey Research Methods (N/А 1997) 191-420 Qualitative Research Methods (Second)
479-810 Researching Woeien in Education (Second)
512-629 Multivariative Statistical Methods (First)
3. At least one, but no more than two of the following elective subjects (12.5 points each):
166-614 Advanced Issues in Policy Design and Evaluation (First) 482-620 Evaluation Theory (First)
482-621 Knowledge Utilisation and Change (Second)
Note: A candidate may substitute for one of these electives some other unit offered by the University and approved by the Course Coordinator.
Details of Subjects: For information on particular individual subjects please contact the coordinator of that subject, or the department or centre in which that subject is taught.
121-618 Introduction to Statistical Methods and Computing Semester: Double (Mar-Aug)
Coordinator: Dr D Goldblum Credit points: 12.5
Objectives: At the end of the subject, students can expect to:
• understand basic statistical principles related to the collection, analysis and presentation of social science data;
• have competence in the application of basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques;
• have competence in the use of statistical software packages.
Content: Concepts and methods of collecting, analysing and presenting social science data; nature and use of statistics; introduction to statistical packages.
Contact: Six seminar/workshops over six Saturdays to be advised
Assessment: 10 practical assignments (70%); one written report of approx.
2,000 words (3 0%)
121-619 Research Design and Thesis Semester: Double
Lecturer: Dr R Wyatt Credit points: 12.5
Objectives: At the conclusion of this subject, students will be able to:
• understand and be capable of designing a piece of social research apply methods of collecting and analysing social information to execute a research design.
Content: Introduction to research design and execution for the social sciences. Nature of social research. Research reports and minor thesis of up to 14,000 words.
Contact: Two hour seminar per weck
Assessment: Research Reports and minor thesis of up to 14,000 words.
166-614 Advanced Issues in Policy Design and Evaluation For details of this subject refer to the entry for М.A. in Public Policy.
166-617 The Depth Interview and Psychosocial Research Semester:
Coordinator: Graham Little
Credit points: 8.33 (1020E), 16.7 (10201-1) Objectives: On completion of this subject students will:
• be able to conduct aпд analyse a qualitative or "in-depth" interview;
• have knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the interview in social/political research;
• be able to evaluate some standard interviewing manuals and books;
• have some knowledge of the role the interview plays in mass communications (TV, radio, newspapers and magazines) and in ordinary life.
Content: How to conduct a good interview. How to analyse an interview.
The uses of interviews in social and political life. The subject will ask the students to conduct and analyse one one-hour interview. The subject uses audio and video tapes in addition to interview transcripts.
Contact: One 2 hour seminar per week Assessment: Written work totalling 6,000 words 166-626 Survey Research Methods
For details of this subject refer to the entry for M.A- in Public Policy.
479-810 Researching Women Semester: Second
Lecturer: Dr J Wyn, Youth Research Centre, Institute of Education Credit points: 12.5
Objectives: Upon completion of this subject students will be able to:
• review and evaluate some of the central methodological approaches adopted in recent feminist research;
• understand the relationships between theory and practice conceptualised in such research; and design a research proposal.
Content: Review of the feminist critiques of the production of knowledge and approaches to the reconstruction of knowledge over the past two decades.
Investigation of the ways in which difference has been theorised in these accounts in relation to various theoretical positions and political agendas.
Examination of issues relating to researching women. Study of examples of specific research projects especially those relating to young women.
Contact: Thirteen twohour seminars Assessment: Students will be required to:
• attend, and fully participate in, a minimum of 80% of seminars in order to qualify for assessment;
• prepare and present a seminar paper equivalent to 1,500 words;
• present a research proposal of approximately 5,000 words.
482-620 Evaluation Theory Semester: First
Lecturer: Dr G Elsworth, Centre for Program Evaluation Credit points: 12.5
Objectives: On completion of this subjects students should be able to:
• develop their own theory of evaluation practice through a systematic discussion of a number of emerging issues;
• understand the various purposes and characteristics of educational and social programs;
identify the various roles and goals of evaluation in programs with different purposes;
• demonstrate skills in the analysis of program rationales to ascertain underlying theoretical approaches;
• explain the various meanings of validity as applied to evaluation;
• appraise critically competing evaluation approaches and models.
Content: Deriving from a conception of evaluation as explanatory social inquiry, this subject introduces the systematic analysis and application to evaluation practice of three facets of evaluation theory: program theory;
theories of knowledge construction in evaluation; and theories of valuing (including ethical issues in evaluation). From the analysis, it is expected that students will develop a coherent theory of evaluation practice relevant to their own professional context. Extensive use will be made of a range of theoretical writings, as well as original evaluation reports from the fields of education, health and social policy. The analysis of contrasting evaluation reports will facilitate a continuing critique of the theory.
Contact: Thirteen 2 hour lecture/seminars
Assessment: Two 1,200-word critical reviews of published evaluation studies developed from the perspective of different aspects of evaluation theory (20 per cent each); and an evaluation proposal of 3,600 words written in response to a competitive project brief and incorporating a program theory approach to the design of the study (60 per cent).
Prescribed texts: Shadish WR, Cook TD and Leviton LC Foundations of
Program Evaluation: Theories ofPractice Sage Newbury Park CA 1990 482-621 Knowledge Utilisation and Change
Semester: Second
Lecturer: Dr J Owen, Centre for Program Evaluation Credit points: 12.5
Objectives: On completion of this subject students should be able to:
• demonstrate knowledge of fundamentals of dissemination theory as related to evaluation;
• demonstrate art awareness of various meanings of knowledge utilisation in the context of evaluation;
• demonstrate skills necessary to devise appropriate dissemination and utilisation strategies in social organisations and systems.
Content: After some introductory seminars students will be expected to select an organisation (such as a school, community centre or govenunent agency) and undertake an on-going examination of aspects such as: (i) the forms of knowledge needed by members of the organisation; (ii) existing uses of forms of knowledge; and (iii) factors which affect the diffusion of knowledge within the organisation. Topics include: forms of knowledge, including local, craft and professional social inquiry and their use in facilitating change processes; dissemination and diffusion of new knowledge with an emphasis on knowledge from evaluation findings; internal and external dissemination; factors affecting dissemination and use; meanings of knowledge utilisation; the roles and limitations of evaluation in promoting