This course will provide an introduction to the study of public administration and public policy. Topics to be covered include: the role and nature of governmental bureaucracy; administrative politics; theories of bureaucracy and bureaucratic behaviour; governmental failings and corruption; governments, markets and 'the community'; trends in modern government; and the policy-making process.  The course will contain a blend of theory and case studies.

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• understand the theoretical debates about the nature of government and bureaucracy, including administrative theory and bureaucratic behaviour
• understand the development of New Public Management, its rationale and critics
• understand the history and development of the public service in Australia and its current challenges, including politicisation, accountability and corruption
• analyse case studies of policy making using a variety of policy making theories
• demonstrate advanced skills in oral and written communication, research and critical analysis

2,500 word written work (50%), a final examination (35%) and tutorial participation(15%).

Two hours of lectures and one tutorial a week.  Lectures will be recorded.

Two first-year courses in Political Science, or with the permission of the lecturer.

Maddison S. and Dennis R., An Introduction to Australian Public Policy, (2009) (optional)

Howlett M. and Ramesh M., Studying Public Policy - Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems, 2nd Edition (2003).