Students
POIR900 – Policy Design and Practice
2017 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Francesco Stolfi
Contact via Email
W6A Level 4
By appointment
Tutor
David Coombs
Contact via Email
W6A Level 4
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP and 24cp at 800 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit requires students to draw on theoretical and discipline knowledge and use these to engage actively in a current and topical policy problem. The students will have opportunities to consult experts and stakeholders in a given policy area and identify relevant evidence, expert opinion and stakeholder views. Students will explore a range of problem definitions and scenarios, and consider alternative policy solutions. Working collaboratively in teams, students will develop and present a comprehensive and constructive policy proposal which demonstrates an awareness of ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in the specific policy context.
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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:
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
General Assessment Information
Assignment Submission for Short Essay and Policy Analysis
These two 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.
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.
Marks and comments for the Short Reflections and Participation components of the assessment will be provided by email.
Extensions
Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and will require documentary evidence such as a medical certificate to support the request for an extension. You should contact the convenor as early as possible if you think you may need an extension. While we do understand that most students are engaged in paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone.
Penalties for late submission
Assignments which are submitted after the due date, without having an extension granted by the convenor, will be penalised, at a rate of 3% of the mark for each week day after the due date. Any paper submitted more than 3 weeks after the due date will not be marked, and the student will be failed for the assignment.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short reflections | 30% | No | Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 |
| Short Essay (Scoping Paper) | 20% | No | Friday of Week 8 |
| Participation | 10% | No | On-campus sessions |
| Policy Analysis | 40% | No | Friday of Week 13 |
Short reflections
Due: Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9
Weighting: 30%
You will be required to post a short reflection of 750 words on set topics each fortnight. There will be a total of 4 of these blog posts over the semester. These will be posted on a blog inside iLearn so that other students can read and respond to your work. Your blog posts should be based on careful reflection and analysis of the weekly readings.
Further details will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
Due: Friday of Week 8
Weighting: 20%
This short essay should be presented as a scoping document, outlining your understanding of the policy problem which we are working on throughout this unit. You will be expected to conduct independent research for this task. Your essay should consider the following aspects of the policy problem:
- the purpose of the policy and how it fits with other policies in the same area
- analysis of the problem definition, including alternative definitions
- assumptions which impact on your policy proposal (including assessment of the ethical, economic, social and cultural factors which are significant in this specific context)
- assessment of the constraints in terms of resources, timing, public opinion, and political context
These papers will be used as the basis of learning activities which take place at the on-campus sessions.
Further details, including the marking criteria, will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Participation
Due: On-campus sessions
Weighting: 10%
You will be given a mark for participation in the activities and discussion at the compulsory on-campus sessions. The assessment criteria for participation are available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Policy Analysis
Due: Friday of Week 13
Weighting: 40%
This final assessment task requires you to present your analysis of the policy problem and its context, and to explain your choice of policy recommendations to address the problem. This essay will build on previous assessment tasks and will also be discussed at length at the on-campus sessions.
Your analysis should include consideration of the following aspects:
- problem definition
- stakeholder positions
- available resources
- appropriate selection of policy instruments
- potential delivery issues
- proposed criteria for evaluation of the policy
Further details, including the marking criteria, will be posted on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Delivery and Resources
Important: compulsory attendance at on-campus sessions
This unit is taught in "block teaching" mode.
There are no weekly internal classes in this unit.
All students, internal and external, are required to attend two full days of classes over a weekend. The dates of this block session are Saturday 20 May and Sunday 21 May from 9am to 5pm each day. It is essential that you make yourself available for both these full days of classes.
There will be weekly tasks, mini-lectures and other activities, including assessments, and these are presented in detail on iLearn.
Resources:
This unit has an iLearn website which can be accessed via iLearn.mq.edu.au.
Information about required readings and how to access them is on the iLearn site.
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
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Participation
- Policy Analysis
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Participation
- Policy Analysis
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Participation
- Policy Analysis
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Participation
- Policy Analysis
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment task
- Policy Analysis
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Participation
- Policy Analysis