Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit provides an overview of the role governments have played in shaping the rise and fall of societies. Arguably one of the key drivers of economic growth and development, conflicts and wars, students analyse the moral and philosophical underpinnings of governments, as well as their most relevant policies, both historically and today. Students then look at the most prevalent areas of government intervention (in Australia and the rest of the world), considering what government policies aim to do and what they do in reality. This unit requires a good amount of reading and students discuss a number of timely questions that have no easy answers. Both theoretical and empirical methods to analyse these questions are discussed and a basic understanding of econometric tools is an advantage when taking this unit.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Business Economics; Economics; Philosophy, Politics and Economics major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding of the rationale for government intervention in a market economy and critically discuss the corresponding (dis)advantages; (2) demonstrate understanding of the broad implications of government policies in the main areas of public policy (education, healthcare, environment, poverty and inequality, and military); (3) articulate a range of policy options based on an understanding of welfare economics and the role of government in a market economy; and (4) demonstrate understanding of the most effective scientific methods to understand the roots of prevalent public policy concerns.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) assignment; and (3) tests. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Simon Chang
Unit rules
Prerequisites
ECON2233 Microeconomics: Policy and Applications
Contact hours
lectures/tutorials/seminars/workshops: up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.