Students
POIR8090 – Advanced Introduction to Policy
2021 – Session 1, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Francesco Stolfi
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPSP or MPH or MILGPP or MIC or MSusDev or MPlan
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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 focuses on how policy is made and who makes it. Taking an international perspective, the unit introduces students to the policy process, the state and societal actors that cooperate (and fight) over policy and to the context in which they operate. Students will engage in peer learning, discuss cases studies as well as write on policy issues using the materials and concepts presented in the unit.
The topics covered indicatively include: The policy process; policy paradigms, networks, monopolies, cycles, and policy diffusion; the regulatory state; state autonomy and state capture; the reciprocal influence between state and society, with a focus on relationship between social capital and democratic governance; clientelism, its determinants, and its implications for policy-making; the decline of trust in public institutions in advanced democracies.
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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:
- ULO1: Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in issues such inequality, labour market liberalisation, the institutional convergence or divergence of capitalist systems, and the mutual relationship between society and political institutions.
- ULO2: Engage in independent research showing the ability to build on international scholarship and international examples to address a public policy problem.
- ULO3: Show competent knowledge of the theoretical literature as well as of the empirical cases covered in the readings.
- ULO4: Evaluate the quality, validity and reliability of research relating to a specific policy problem.
- ULO5: Communicate research findings and views accurately and effectively using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual).
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.
Assignment Submission 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.
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50% | No | June 6 |
| Quiz | 20% | No | Weekly |
| Peer learning exercise | 20% | No | Week 8 and Week 12 |
| Participation | 10% | No | Weekly |
Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 65 hours
Due: June 6
Weighting: 50%
The essay provides students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth. Students should develop a considered answer to a specific question based on reading a range of sources.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in issues such inequality, labour market liberalisation, the institutional convergence or divergence of capitalist systems, and the mutual relationship between society and political institutions.
- Engage in independent research showing the ability to build on international scholarship and international examples to address a public policy problem.
- Show competent knowledge of the theoretical literature as well as of the empirical cases covered in the readings.
- Evaluate the quality, validity and reliability of research relating to a specific policy problem.
- Communicate research findings and views accurately and effectively using a variety of techniques (written, spoken, visual).
Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%
Weekly quizzes on the mandatory readings
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Show competent knowledge of the theoretical literature as well as of the empirical cases covered in the readings.
Peer learning exercise
Assessment Type 1: Non-academic writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 8 and Week 12
Weighting: 20%
Provide informed and constructive feedback on fellow students’ draft essay
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in issues such inequality, labour market liberalisation, the institutional convergence or divergence of capitalist systems, and the mutual relationship between society and political institutions.
- Engage in independent research showing the ability to build on international scholarship and international examples to address a public policy problem.
- Show competent knowledge of the theoretical literature as well as of the empirical cases covered in the readings.
- Evaluate the quality, validity and reliability of research relating to a specific policy problem.
Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Informed and constructive participation in discussions and activities
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in issues such inequality, labour market liberalisation, the institutional convergence or divergence of capitalist systems, and the mutual relationship between society and political institutions.
- Engage in independent research showing the ability to build on international scholarship and international examples to address a public policy problem.
- Show competent knowledge of the theoretical literature as well as of the empirical cases covered in the readings.
- Evaluate the quality, validity and reliability of research relating to a specific policy problem.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Weekly classes involve a 1 hour lecture and a 2 hour seminar.
Reading
There are a range of journal articles and chapters that are required reading. These will be listed on iLearn and available via Leganto.
Technology used and required
All enrolled students have access to the POIR2070 website via iLearn. iLearn will provide access to lectures (powerpoint presentations for download and recordings through the University's Echo lecture recording facility) as well as readings, links and forum discussions. Regular access to iLearn is required in order to complete the unit.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 03/02/2021 | None |
Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook