Students
POIR3060 – Policy Making in a Global Era
2021 – Session 1, Fully online/virtual
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
Convenor/lectuer
Jonathan Symons
Contact via Email
Room 252, Level 2, 25B Wally's Walk
Thursday 10am-11am
Keane
Conor
Conor Keane
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above OR (20cp in HIST or MHIS or POL or POIR or MHIX or POIX units at 2000 level)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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. However, national policy-makers are increasingly focused on international policy challenges. Using a series of detailed case studies, this unit reflects critically on debates around globalisation and the state. The unit introduces students to the policy process 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, diffusion and mobility, as well as the factors that shape patterns of 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:
- ULO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the various theoretical perspectives on the impact of globalisation on the role of the State.
- ULO2: Describe the policy-making process and identify points at which international factors impact on domestic policy capacity.
- ULO3: Explain the roles played by institutions and actors, both domestic and international, in the policy process.
- ULO4: Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another.
- ULO5: Locate, assess and analyse relevant evidence and information related to public policy in the national and international spheres.
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. The criteria and standards for each assignment will be made available via iLearn.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research essay | 50% | No | Friday Week 13 |
| Class Tests | 20% | No | Test 1: Thurs 1 April; Test 2: Thurs 3 June |
| Participation | 30% | No | Tuesday 5pm - weeks 3-10. |
Research essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: Friday Week 13
Weighting: 50%
2500 word research essay requiring independent research on a policy question. Essay questions and marking criteria will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of 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.
- 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.
Class Tests
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Test 1: Thurs 1 April; Test 2: Thurs 3 June
Weighting: 20%
Quizzes based on class readings – see ilearn for details.
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.
- Describe the various mechanisms through which policy is transferred from one jurisdiction to another.
Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Tuesday 5pm - weeks 3-10.
Weighting: 30%
Students will be assessed on writing and presenting a policy brief in respect of one policy case study, and on their responses to other students’ presentations. See ilearn for details. The policy brief is to be submitted to ilearn 48 hours prior to the tutorial. Presentations will be either in tutorials or via online discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 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.
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
There is no text book for this unit. All essential readings will be provided through the unit's Leganto page (or links on ilearn). Students will need to conduct some of their own research online and/ or in the library to complete assessment tasks.
Lectures
All lectures will be recorded and available via ilearn. However, on Thursday of Week 1, a zoom lecture commencing at 12pm (see ilearn for link) will cover the administrative aspects/ outline of the unit, with an opportunity for students to ask questions. This lecture/discussion will also be recorded, and will be available to view soon after the class
Tutorials:
Regular tutorial attendance is expected of all on-campus / special circumstance students (either on campus or via zoom)
External and OUA students are expected to participate in the unit discussion board (ilearn) each week. External and OUA students will be able to complete all tasks off campus.
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.
Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook