Students

POL 306 – Policy Making in a Global Era

2016 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Diana Perche
Contact via (02) 9850 8805
W6A 432
Monday 5-6pm and Thursday 11am-12pm
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp or (6cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units at 200 level including 3cp in POL)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The study of public policy has traditionally been focused on the nation-state, and policy-making activities at the domestic level. With the growing recognition of the impact and extent of globalisation, policy scholars are increasingly concerned about the apparently diminishing capacity of the nation-state to determine its own policy directions. This unit reflects critically on this debate around globalisation and the state, and explores the impact of international institutions, interests and ideas on domestic policy-making. The unit examines direct and indirect, coercive and voluntary mechanisms of policy transfer and policy diffusion, and intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

General Assessment Information

Submission of assignments

All written assignments must be submitted using the “Turnitin Assignments” facility on the iLearn website. This facility includes software which scans the uploaded assignments for plagiarism. Follow the instructions on the screen carefully. Your assignment should be uploaded before midnight on the due date.

In all cases, you should ensure that you keep a copy of the assignment.

Please use the topic and chosen question in the title of your document, rather than your own name.

Return of marked work

Marked assignments will be returned via the same facility on iLearn. When marks are released, you will need to go back in to the assignment submission box, and open your uploaded assignment. When you click on the “GradeMark” button, you will be able to see the marker’s comments on your work. You can save or print the essay with the comments.

Extensions

Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted.  If you require an extension, you must contact the convenor by email before the assessment due date.

Penalty for late submission

Assignments which are submitted after the due date will incur a penalty of 3% of the final mark for each day after the due date. An assignment received more than 3 weeks after the due date will automatically fail.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Participation 10% Each week
Short Essay 20% Week 5
Research Essay 35% Week 11
Formal Examination 35% Exam period

Participation

Due: Each week
Weighting: 10%

For internal students: the participation mark will be based on the extent to which you make informed and reflective contributions to discussion in class, and the extent to which you contribute constructively to in-class activities.

For external students: the participation mark will be based on the extent to which you make informed and reflective contributions to discussion on the iLearn weekly forums.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another

Short Essay

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 20%

This is a short essay which asks you to reflect critically on the material covered in the readings, lectures and seminars in the first weeks of semester.

Word limit: 1000 words.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Research Essay

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 35%

This is a research essay of 2500 words. Details on the essay question and marking criteria will be provided on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Formal Examination

Due: Exam period
Weighting: 35%

Two hour exam based on lectures, seminars and readings.

The exam will include short answer questions and short essays.

Check the Macquarie University website for the final examination timetable approximately four weeks before the exam period.

According to University regulations, you must be available to attend a compulsory examination at any time in the prescribed exam period.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another

Delivery and Resources

Delivery

For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.

Internal students are expected to attend the following classes each week:

Lecture: Thursday 10-11am

Seminar: Thursday 12-2pm or Friday 10am-12pm or Friday 1pm-3pm (register via e-Student)

NOTE: Seminars will begin in Week 1.

 

External students: The lecture is digitally recorded and can be downloaded from the ILearn website shortly after it is delivered. You will also find lecture slides on the website.

External students are also required to participate actively in discussion on the iLearn website (further details are given in the section on Assessment.)

External students are welcome to attend weekly lectures and seminar classes whenever they can.

 

Required resources:

This unit has an iLearn website which is accessible to all students currently enrolled. It is accessed via https://ilearn.mq.edu.au

All required readings will be available via the Macquarie University Library iShare system, and links will be provided via iLearn. 

Unit Schedule

Week

Lecture Date

Lecture

Seminar

Assessment

1

3 March

Introduction: Policy and globalisation

No seminars this week

 

2

10 March

Actors and Institutions: Global and Domestic

Actors and Institutions: Global and Domestic

 

3

17 March

Governance and the expanding policy subsystem

Governance and the expanding policy subsystem

 

4

24 March

Reading week: no lecture

No seminars due to Easter break

 

5

31 March

Theories of globalisation

Globalisation and the state

Short essay due this week

6

7 April

International law

International law

 

Semester Break

7

28 April

Intergovernmental relations

Intergovernmental relations

 

8

5 May

Policy transfer: success and failure

Policy transfer

 

9

12 May

Case study: Swine flu

Swine flu

 

10

19 May

Case study: Refugee policy

Refugee policy

 

11

26 May

Case study: Climate change

Climate change policy

Research essay due this week

12

2 June

Case study: Commercial surrogacy

Commercial surrogacy

 

13

9 June

Policy convergence? Globalisation and the State

Policy convergence?

Conclusion and exam review

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them
  • Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and critically compare the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State
  • Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity
  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process
  • Identify challenges associated with intergovernmental coordination, and techniques used to overcome them

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Short Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Formal Examination