Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Justice graduates are increasingly taking on key roles working in or alongside Australian governance institutions. It is essential that these graduates have a full and working knowledge of the structure of Australian government and the legislative process in order to excel in these roles in an increasingly professionalised public sector. This unit will explore the establishment, evolution and functioning of key Australian justice institutions, in order to increase students' understanding and awareness of our systems of governance.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and understanding to work within and alongside government institutions in Australia. This unit will detail the structures and frameworks of Australian justice institutions in order to provide students with a good understanding of the legislative process. Students will also have an opportunity to engage in critique and international comparison through a series of case studies.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate the graduate capabilities in the following manner:

1. Knowledge: of government structure, operation and processes; of the internal and external strategic social framework in which policies operate (including stakeholders)

2. Ethics and Professionalism: understanding of the role of public officials on behalf of the public; knowledge of the roles of public officials and ministerial staff in the government system; practical understanding of government working documents, including policy handbooks and guidelines and policy instruments

3 Communication, Collaboration and Independent Life Skills: independent and reflective learning

Content

1. The 'Washminster' system: overview of Australian Government
2. The Federal Government
3. State Governments
4. Grass roots democracy: Local Governments
5. The Australian Constitution and the High Court
6. The Presidential Prime Minister?: The executive and cabinet
7. Two houses divided: Australian legislatures
8. The judiciary
9. The public sector
10. Pressure groups and non-government organisations
11. The press gallery and political media
12. Elections and electoral systems
13. Review

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be offered to both internal and external students. Internal mode delivery is via a 2-hour lectorial and 1-hour online activity. External mode delivery is via Blackboard Collaborate with a 2-hour live or recorded lectorial and 1 hour online activity.

The lectorial will introduce students to the theory, context and key concepts for each topic, allowing for discussion and learning activities to clarify and reflect on the materials presented. Assessment items will provide students with an opportunity to develop key skills that will be required for pursuing a career in this field.

Assessment

There are three different pieces of assessment for this unit, which comprise both formative and summative assessment and reflect the aims and objectives of the unit. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that you have both the necessary theoretical understanding and practical skills to undertake different forms of policy work.

Assessment name: Briefing note
Description: Students will produce a briefing note (2000 words) on a key policy area related to the content of the unit. Students will be required to identify key stakeholders (government and non-government), as well as make policy recommendations. Topics will be made available in the second week of lectures. Students will be provided with a template to complete a briefing note and related documents for a Queensland Government Minister. The template will mirror the format currently used in Queensland Government departments.
Relates to objectives: 1,2 & 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: Students will complete a workbook throughout the semester including research and reflection tasks related to the key content of each week. Tasks may include searching for information related to government structures, monitoring news reports on key policy issues, and learning about different roles within the Queensland and Federal public service
Relates to objectives: 1 & 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: This multi-choice exam will assess students' knowledge and understanding of government structures and the role of public officials.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

TBA

Lecture notes and readings will be provided during the course of the semester.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Aug-2012