The Political and Institutional Architecture of Public Policy

This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes. This course introduces students to frameworks and theories for understanding the political and institutional context of contemporary policy making. Particular emphasis in the course is given to how various political, regulatory, administrative and communicative institutions shape the process and outcomes of public policy. Throughout the course students will engage critically in ideas on the structures of policy making, including the role of constitutions, the executive, the bureaucracy, the judiciary and other regulators, political parties, elections and the media. The public policy consequences of different jurisdictional arrangements is also examined looking at the benefits and challenges of centralisation and decentralization. Students will also consider how globalization and the proliferation of transnational policy issues are challenging national systems of government.