Students

POL 825 – Health Policy

2017 – S2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Adele Garnier
Contact via adele.garnier@mq.edu.au
Australian Hearing Hub, South Wing, level 2
Wednesday 4-5pm and by appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP or MPASR or MIntRel or GradDipPASR or MPH or MGlobalHlthDevStud or GradCertPP or GradDipPP or GradDipIntRel or MIntLawGovPP or MDevStud or MSc in Environmental Health or MTransInterMIntRel
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines the politics of health policy, introducing the institutions and actors engaged in global and domestic health governance, and examining the impact of power and inequality on health policy formulation and health outcomes. It explores a range of current issues in health policy, including the securitisation of health, the prevention, treatment and management of chronic and communicable diseases, the social determinants of health, and public health intervention. The unit provides a comparative understanding of health issues using case studies from Australia and around the world.

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:

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on health policy making and health outcomes, including the impact of inequality, wealth, gender, and the social determinants of health.
  • Identify, explain and critically evaluate the role of the key actors and institutions involved in health governance and policy making in the Australian context, and the global context
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debate around inequality; the social determinants of health; gender and health; prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases; the securitisation of health; knowledge politics; the impact of domestic and global governance and institutional structures on health policy formulation and implementation; participation and marginalisation of interests in health policy making
  • Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about health policy context and the policy-making process, and to identify and use the most appropriate strategies to conduct research that will solve these research problems
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media
  • Using material from this course, demonstrate an enhanced awareness of local, national, global affairs and issues of political, social, and economic justice, particularly with regard to issues of inequality, gender, social determinants of health, and inclusion or exclusion from the policy process
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

General Assessment Information

Assessment submission

Each assessment task needs to be submitted differently, so please read the following instructions carefully.

Assessment 1: Online weekly activities need to be posted on the appropriate weekly topic discussion forum.

Assessment 2: Your research proposal will be presented to the class in the seminar in Week 8 for internal students, and at the first on-campus session for external students. You will be expected to upload your written proposal using the Turnitin Assignments facility on the iLearn website before midnight on the same day as your presentation.

Assessment 3: You will need to upload your essay as a Word document 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 essay should be uploaded before midnight on the due date.

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

 

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.

Penalties for late submission: Assignments which are submitted after the due date, without having an extension granted by the convenor, will be penalised, by 3 marks a day for each 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
Weekly online activity 35% No Sunday of each week
Research proposal 25% No Week 8
Research Essay 40% Yes Week 13 Friday, 5pm

Weekly online activity

Due: Sunday of each week
Weighting: 35%

Students are required to provide a response of approximately 250 words to the weekly online activity. Details of the online activities and questions are posted under each weekly topic on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on health policy making and health outcomes, including the impact of inequality, wealth, gender, and the social determinants of health.
  • Identify, explain and critically evaluate the role of the key actors and institutions involved in health governance and policy making in the Australian context, and the global context
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debate around inequality; the social determinants of health; gender and health; prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases; the securitisation of health; knowledge politics; the impact of domestic and global governance and institutional structures on health policy formulation and implementation; participation and marginalisation of interests in health policy making
  • Using material from this course, demonstrate an enhanced awareness of local, national, global affairs and issues of political, social, and economic justice, particularly with regard to issues of inequality, gender, social determinants of health, and inclusion or exclusion from the policy process
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Research proposal

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 25%

This assessment task will help you to design and prepare your Research Essay, which is the final assessment task for the unit. Further information on the Research Essay is given on the iLearn site. Students will present their Research Proposal in class, and will also submit a 1000 word written summary. 

This Research Proposal will include the following elements:

  • the specific research question

  • explanation of the context and justification of the research question

  • brief literature review

  • brief plan of action for completion of the research project, including identifying any problems you might face and how you will address them.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on health policy making and health outcomes, including the impact of inequality, wealth, gender, and the social determinants of health.
  • Identify, explain and critically evaluate the role of the key actors and institutions involved in health governance and policy making in the Australian context, and the global context
  • Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about health policy context and the policy-making process, and to identify and use the most appropriate strategies to conduct research that will solve these research problems
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Research Essay

Due: Week 13 Friday, 5pm
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

The final assessment requires students to identify a research problem and conduct extensive independent research which will be presented in essay form. The research problem will relate to one of the broad themes provided on iLearn. Having identified a research problem related to one of these themes, you must illustrate the issue using a current Australian case study of your choice. Your analysis will be expected to concentrate on the policy implications for governments, and your conclusion should include at least three policy recommendations for the relevant policy makers.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on health policy making and health outcomes, including the impact of inequality, wealth, gender, and the social determinants of health.
  • Identify, explain and critically evaluate the role of the key actors and institutions involved in health governance and policy making in the Australian context, and the global context
  • Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about health policy context and the policy-making process, and to identify and use the most appropriate strategies to conduct research that will solve these research problems
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Delivery and Resources

Resources

This unit has an unit webpage which is accessible only to currently enrolled students. Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

Required readings will be provided via e-Reserve on the library database. Links to the readings are posted on iLearn.

Classes

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: Wednesday 6-7pm, Location: W5C309
  • Seminar: Wednesday 7-9pm, Location: W5C309

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 attend two on-campus sessions of four hours each over the semester. The dates for these sessions are:

  • Sunday 17 September:  2pm - 6pm
  • Sunday 5 November: 2pm - 6pm

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

 

Attendance

University regulations prescribe regular attendance at classes. Students are expected to attend all lectures and seminars, or on-campus sessions for external students.

For internal students, failure to attend at least three-quarters of seminars risks exclusion from and no credit for the unit.

For external students, failure to attend the first on-campus session will risk exclusion from and no credit for the unit.

If you are unable to attend a class, you should provide documentary support for your absence (eg  medical certificate). If you know that you will be unable to attend a class, or on-campus session, you should contact the convenor as early as possible.

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 Enquiry Service

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

Equity 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.

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.

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 outcome

  • Using material from this course, demonstrate an enhanced awareness of local, national, global affairs and issues of political, social, and economic justice, particularly with regard to issues of inequality, gender, social determinants of health, and inclusion or exclusion from the policy process

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online activity
  • Research proposal
  • Research Essay

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on health policy making and health outcomes, including the impact of inequality, wealth, gender, and the social determinants of health.
  • Identify, explain and critically evaluate the role of the key actors and institutions involved in health governance and policy making in the Australian context, and the global context
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debate around inequality; the social determinants of health; gender and health; prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases; the securitisation of health; knowledge politics; the impact of domestic and global governance and institutional structures on health policy formulation and implementation; participation and marginalisation of interests in health policy making
  • Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about health policy context and the policy-making process, and to identify and use the most appropriate strategies to conduct research that will solve these research problems
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media
  • Using material from this course, demonstrate an enhanced awareness of local, national, global affairs and issues of political, social, and economic justice, particularly with regard to issues of inequality, gender, social determinants of health, and inclusion or exclusion from the policy process
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online activity
  • Research proposal
  • Research Essay

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on health policy making and health outcomes, including the impact of inequality, wealth, gender, and the social determinants of health.
  • Identify, explain and critically evaluate the role of the key actors and institutions involved in health governance and policy making in the Australian context, and the global context
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debate around inequality; the social determinants of health; gender and health; prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases; the securitisation of health; knowledge politics; the impact of domestic and global governance and institutional structures on health policy formulation and implementation; participation and marginalisation of interests in health policy making
  • Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about health policy context and the policy-making process, and to identify and use the most appropriate strategies to conduct research that will solve these research problems
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media
  • Using material from this course, demonstrate an enhanced awareness of local, national, global affairs and issues of political, social, and economic justice, particularly with regard to issues of inequality, gender, social determinants of health, and inclusion or exclusion from the policy process
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online activity
  • Research proposal
  • Research Essay

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 discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debate around inequality; the social determinants of health; gender and health; prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases; the securitisation of health; knowledge politics; the impact of domestic and global governance and institutional structures on health policy formulation and implementation; participation and marginalisation of interests in health policy making
  • Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about health policy context and the policy-making process, and to identify and use the most appropriate strategies to conduct research that will solve these research problems
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online activity
  • Research proposal
  • Research Essay

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 outcomes

  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debate around inequality; the social determinants of health; gender and health; prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases; the securitisation of health; knowledge politics; the impact of domestic and global governance and institutional structures on health policy formulation and implementation; participation and marginalisation of interests in health policy making
  • Synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual) and technologically-supported media

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online activity
  • Research proposal
  • Research Essay

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

  • Using material from this course, demonstrate an enhanced awareness of local, national, global affairs and issues of political, social, and economic justice, particularly with regard to issues of inequality, gender, social determinants of health, and inclusion or exclusion from the policy process
  • Evaluate and apply scholarly analysis of the policy process around health to real-world situations

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly online activity
  • Research proposal
  • Research Essay