Students
POL 820 – Politics and Policy: An Advanced Introduction
2019 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Conor Keane
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP or MPASR or MIntRel or MIntPubDip or MIntLawGovPP or GradDipPP or GradDipPASR or GradDipIntRel or GradDipSIA or GradCertSIA or GradCertPP or MSc in Environmental Health or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCTerrorismMCrim or MTransInterMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MPPPMDevStud or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MIntell or MCTerrorism or MPPPMPASR or MPPPMIntRel
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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 provides an advanced introduction to politics and public policy. It begins by focussing on key institutions and actors and critically analyses their role and influence. In the second half of the unit, current debates and controversies are considered. This includes issues around reform, governance, globalisation and changes to the policy environment.
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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:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process.
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | 40% | No | TBA |
| Seminar Participation | 10% | No | Weekly |
| Take-home exam | 50% | No | TBA |
Quizzes
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%
These quizzes will be held in various seminars (8 quizzes worth 5% each) throughout the semester. They will be based on material covered in the key readings and lectures, and the details in relation to which lectures they will be held in will not be announced prior to each lecture, meaning that you will not know in advance whether a quiz will be held in a given seminar. This is designed to ensure maximum participation in the course and maximum achievement in the quizzes. More information about the quizzes will be provided in the first lecture and seminar.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
Seminar Participation
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Students enrolling in an on-campus course are expected to have the capacity and commitment to attend seminars. They should be prepared to devote approximately 10 hours per week to each course. These 10 hours include lecture and tutorial attendance, undertaking weekly readings, miscellaneous study activities and assignment preparation and completion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process.
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
Take-home exam
Due: TBA
Weighting: 50%
This exam consists of short answer and essay questions and students will have one week to respond to the questions. Answer are to be submitted via turnitin. More details to come in the first lecture and throughout the semester.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process.
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
Delivery and Resources
Thursday 12-2pm
Lecture - Recorded
Resources for this unit can be found on ilearn
Unit Schedule
Week 1 - Intro & Overview (no seminar week 1)
Week 2 - Fundamentals of the Australian Political System
Week 3 - State Actors in Public Policy
Week 4 - Non-State Actors in Public Policy
Week 5 - Power and Public Policy: from Pluralism to Structuralism
Week 6 - Economics and Public Policy 1: From Keynes to Neo-Liberalism
Week 8 - The Nuts and Bolts of Policy: From Identification to Evaluation
Week 9 - Governance and Theories and Models of Policy Change
Week 10 - Reading and Revision Week (No classes this week)
Week 11 - Economic Policy
Week 12 - Social and Welfare Policy
Week 13 - Final Exam Preparation
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
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 the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
Assessment tasks
- Quizzes
- Seminar Participation
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 the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Take-home exam
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 the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Take-home exam
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 the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.
Assessment tasks
- Quizzes
- Seminar Participation
- Take-home exam
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
- Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments.
- Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities.
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process.
- Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them.
- Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Locate, assess, and analyse different kinds of evidence about the policy process, from a range of sources, and synthesise research findings into a simple, logical and coherent argument.