This course highlights the role of non-state actors in governing society. It aims to uncover their power, interests and strategies, and in doing so, seeks to understand how they influence governance outcomes. Using real-world examples, students will critically consider the following questions: are corporations the most powerful non-state actors in society, and do their interests dictate governance outcomes? What role do a host of other actors play, including environmental organisations, industry groups, religious organisations and broader social movements?
Drawing on insights from political science, sociology, business and management studies and regulatory governance scholarship, this course examines the complex relationships between state and non-state actors, including the growing role that non-state actors play as agents for the state. These issues will be explored across the domains of climate change, energy, health, justice, migration, natural resources, security and technology, among others. This course will be particularly valuable to policymakers, public interest advocates and professionals interested in stakeholder engagement and management.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse critically and reflect on classic and contemporary theories of non-state actors
- Identify and interpret the governance of non-state actors across a range of policy domains
- Describe and debate the advantages and limits of non-state actors in influencing governance outcomes
- Research, apply and transmit new insights on the role of non-state actors in society
- Appraise future directions of non-state actors in domestic, global and transnational contexts
Indicative Assessment
- The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with at least two pieces of assessment, including at least one piece during the teaching period. More information about the means of assessment, including the relationship between the assessment and the learning outcomes of the course, will be available in the class summary and on the course Canvas page. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course will require 30 contact hours and 130 hours workload in total.
Prescribed Texts
None. All readings are available on Concur
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5287 | 01 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |
| 5327 | 01 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | Online | N/A |