166-442 Law, Ethics and Public Policy

Formerly available as 166-058. Students who have completed 166-058 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in political science or public policy and management, or postgraduate coursework programs in political science or public policy and management.

This subject aims to assist students with the development of skills relevant in the policy-making process. This is carried out by familiarising students with developments within legal and ethical philosophy and by requiring them to reflect on the institutions responsible for implementing programs. We consider civil rights issues such as privacy, freedom of speech, sexual and racial harassment, and discrimination. Students who complete this subject should gain skills relevant to policy-making process.

• be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;

• be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;

• be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

A research essay of 5000 words (due during the examination period).