SHORT COURSE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRINCIPLES AND

PRACTICE This 6 day program provides

fundamental knowledge and information exploring issues of local democracy,

community, service delivery and leadership and their impacts in local

governance.

2015

Why Undertake This Program? This subject focuses on key concepts and theories about local government and its rationale, purpose and key challenges. It is a foundation subject that explores issues of local democracy, community, service delivery and leadership and their impacts in local governance.

Learners are encouraged to reflect on the integration of theory with practice and in so doing, the academic and research skills of students are enhanced.

Program Content During the course of the structured teaching/learning experiences, students will address the following broad themes underlain with sound practice principles in local governance:

Theories of local government

The history, functions and current status of local government in Australia

Local government and public value

Citizenship, local democracy, social justice and public participation

Understanding community

The importance of place and creating liveable places

Local government as service provider

Politics and governance in a global economy

Application of local governance principles and practices in a change context

Learning objectives 1. Identify and discuss the current issues facing local government

2. Define and debate key theories relating to local government and the political and legislative framework in which local government operates

3. Understand key theoretical concepts for local government and their consequences for local governance and for management and leadership practice

4. Apply concepts relating to local government, democracy, service delivery, governance, management and reform to their own practice

5. Develop and describe capacity-building processes that would meet the needs of councils and their communities.

Assessment and Certification The program includes two optional assignments focused on practical application of course content in the council workplace. A Certificate of Successful Completion will be issued if the assignments are satisfactory. Alternatively, participants can receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Postgraduate Degree Opportunities Successful completion of this program can count towards the UTS Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management and Master of Local Government. For further details, please contact the Centre on (02) 9514 1659