Students

POL 821 – Case Studies in Politics and Policy

2015 – S1 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Annabel McConnachie
annabel.mcconnachie@mq.edu.au
Contact via annabel.mcconnachie@mq.edu.au
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPP or PGDipPP or PGCertPP or MPASR or PGCertPASR or PGDipPASR or GradDipPASR or GradDipPP or GradCertPP or MIntLawGovPP
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides the opportunity to explore a topical and significant policy area in detail, looking at both the historical development of the policy and contemporary policy-making. The area to be examined will vary, reflecting current debates and interest in the public arena.

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:

  • identify and explain the historical and contemporary approaches of Australian governments to forced migration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the main reasons for forced migration and understand how the Refugee Convention deals with those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • recognise and understand the complex nature of debates in this policy areas;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • undertake independent legal and policy research to explain and clarify current issues relevant to Australia;
  • critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding forced migration and public policy – both orally and in written work; and
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Assessment 1 20% 16 March No
Assessment 2 30% 26 April No
Assessment 3 50% 5 June No

Assessment 1

Due: 16 March
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

Short essay of 1,250 words critically analysing a set document(s). The purpose of an article review essay is not to summarise the content of the articles but to assess and comment upon the merit of the articles and to evaluate the authors' contentions and argument. The body of the review essay will therefore be an evaluation of the two authors’ arguments and a commentary on the articles contribution to the understanding of this policy issue. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • identify and explain the historical and contemporary approaches of Australian governments to forced migration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the main reasons for forced migration and understand how the Refugee Convention deals with those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;

Assessment 2

Due: 26 April
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

Short paper of 1500 words analysing policy area and making recommendations. Write a fictional policy brief for the relevant Commonwealth minister.  Information on how to write policy brief will be provided on iLearn. Your document should outline: (a)    what the issue is, (b)   provide appropriate background material, and (c)    suggest appropriate recommendations.The word limit is to be strictly observed, and your brief should be clear, succinct, and coherently argued.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • recognise and understand the complex nature of debates in this policy areas;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;

Assessment 3

Due: 5 June
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

Essay of 4000 words based on course materials and independent research. Students are expected to choose their respective research topic based around (but not entirely limited to) this unit outline. This is a thought-provoking exercise intended to stimulate students to develop their own topic of research and to work out an appropriate proposal of research. All students must prepare a brief to be presented during Weeks 5 or 6 (each student will be allocated a date) in order that the research topic question can be approved by 17 April 2015.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • identify and explain the historical and contemporary approaches of Australian governments to forced migration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the main reasons for forced migration and understand how the Refugee Convention deals with those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • recognise and understand the complex nature of debates in this policy areas;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • undertake independent legal and policy research to explain and clarify current issues relevant to Australia;
  • critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding forced migration and public policy – both orally and in written work; and
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Delivery and Resources

 

Lecture and Tutorials:

1 hour lecture followed by 2 hour tutorial class each week

6-9pm W5A 202

 

Online Information

All students must ensure that they have access to the Online Unit via iLearn from Week 1.  Lectures will be recorded and powerpoint presentations uploaded each week to the Unit homepage.  Announcements and reminders will be posted onto iLearn for the benefit of students and additional material may be made available for student research.

Required and recommended resources

Compulsory weekly readings will be made available through iLearn (accessible either the Library database, e-Reserve or on iLearn)  All students will be required to read the allocated materials for each weekly session.  All 5 articles which form the first assessment task will be available on iLearn.

 

Unit Schedule

24 February Introduction: Global Migration
3 March International Relations Theory: Securisation
10 March International Human Rights Law
17 March International Refugee Legal Framework
24 March Complementary Protection
31 March History: from White Australia to Vietnam/CPA
  Mid Semester Break
21 April Reading Week: No Lecture
28 April Deterrence
5 May Current Policy: from Tampa to Manus Island
12 May People Smuggling
19 May Mixed Migrations
26 May International Relations
2 June Global Governance

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.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.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 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://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use 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

  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

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 and explain the historical and contemporary approaches of Australian governments to forced migration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the main reasons for forced migration and understand how the Refugee Convention deals with those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • recognise and understand the complex nature of debates in this policy areas;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • undertake independent legal and policy research to explain and clarify current issues relevant to Australia;
  • critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding forced migration and public policy – both orally and in written work; and
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

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 and explain the historical and contemporary approaches of Australian governments to forced migration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the main reasons for forced migration and understand how the Refugee Convention deals with those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • recognise and understand the complex nature of debates in this policy areas;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • undertake independent legal and policy research to explain and clarify current issues relevant to Australia;
  • critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding forced migration and public policy – both orally and in written work; and
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

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

  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • undertake independent legal and policy research to explain and clarify current issues relevant to Australia;
  • critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding forced migration and public policy – both orally and in written work; and
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

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 and explain the historical and contemporary approaches of Australian governments to forced migration;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and the development of the international legal obligations of States towards those seeking asylum;
  • identify the main reasons for forced migration and understand how the Refugee Convention deals with those seeking asylum;
  • identify the range of actors and institutions involved in this policy area, inside and outside government, and understand how they influence the policy process;
  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding forced migration and public policy – both orally and in written work; and
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 1
  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3

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

  • evaluate critically the range of views on the challenges to be overcome in asylum seeker and refugee affairs;
  • evaluate critically the extent to which forced migration policy-making is evidence-based, or ideological;
  • formulate and defend in depth a particular position within current policy debates.

Assessment tasks

  • Assessment 2
  • Assessment 3