Students

POIX2070 – Governance, Power and Public Policy

2024 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Francesco Stolfi
francesco.stolfi@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above OR (10cp in POL or POIR or POIX units)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit introduces students to contemporary debates about how public policy problems are addressed. It does this by tracing the change from government to governance and considers the range of policy instruments now regularly used to respond to policy problems. This includes, for example, the use of market based solutions in a range of policy areas. Students are also introduced to key actors and institutions, as well as to relevant theories for analysing public policy.

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: Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • ULO2: 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
  • ULO3: Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • ULO4: 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
  • ULO5: Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • ULO6: 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

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty 

 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of‚ 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. 

 

This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online presentation and discussion 10% No June 2, 11:59 pm
Email Exchange 40% No March 24, 11:59 pm
Presentation and Final Reflection 50% No April 14, 11:59 pm

Online presentation and discussion

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: June 2, 11:59 pm
Weighting: 10%

 

Post one brief topic presentation during the course, to start the discussion in one of the weeks between weeks 2-12. Engage in the ensuing discussion about the topic

 
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

Email Exchange

Assessment Type 1: Simulation/role play
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: March 24, 11:59 pm
Weighting: 40%

 

Students simulate an email exchange with a colleague to advocate a policy change that benefits an interest group and reflect on their experience and relevant skills and knowledge they utilise during this activity.

 
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

Presentation and Final Reflection

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: April 14, 11:59 pm
Weighting: 50%

 

Students deliver a presentation, briefing notes and final reflection based on Assessment 1.

 
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

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 include a 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial.

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:

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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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 2024.04 of the Handbook