Students
POL 836 – Accountability
2015 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Jenny Mason
Contact via Email
W6A 427
Thursday 5-6pm or by appointment
Jenny Mason
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPP or PGDipPP or GradDipPP or PGCertPP or MPASR or PGCertPASR or PGDipPASR or GradDipPASR or MIntLawGovPP
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Accountability is an essential but highly contested aspect of policy-making in a democratic system. This unit provides a critical examination of the growing array of mechanisms (ministerial responsibility, judicial review, administrative law, ombudsmen, auditors-general, parliamentary committees, anti-corruption and royal commissions, freedom of information, whistleblower protections) designed to hold public policy makers accountable. The unit explores a range of theoretical approaches to accountability and responsibility and applies these to current debates in Australian and international settings. Developments in government service delivery such as privatisation, outsourcing and public private partnerships, are analysed with respect to the reach and effectiveness of accountability mechanisms.
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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:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Identify and critically evaluate dominant theories of accountability and responsibility in respect of democratic governance, and apply these to specific accountability mechanisms and specific real-world cases
- Synthesise research findings in relation to the role played by notions of accountability in Australian governance into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented in referenced, grammatically-correct writing
- Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about accountability in public policy
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
- Critically reflect on existing and newly acquired professional knowledge, understanding and skills
General Assessment Information
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.
Extensions
Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and will require documentary evidence such as a medical certificate to support the request for an extension. You should contact the convenor as early as possible if you think you may need an extension. While we do understand that most students are engaged in paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone.
Penalties for late submission
Assignments which are submitted after the due date, without having an extension granted by the convenor, will be penalised, at a rate of 3% of the mark for each week day after the due date. Any paper submitted more than 3 weeks after the due date will not be marked, and the student will be failed for the assignment.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | 35% | 24 August | No | ||
| Assessment 2 | 35% | 28 September | No | ||
| Assessment 3 | 30% | 13 November | No |
Assessment 1
Due: 24 August
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This assessment task asks you to critically evaluate theoretical texts covered in the unit, and apply them to a recent case. Further details on the essay question and marking criteria are posted on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Identify and critically evaluate dominant theories of accountability and responsibility in respect of democratic governance, and apply these to specific accountability mechanisms and specific real-world cases
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
Assessment 2
Due: 28 September
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This assessment task is a research essay drawing on topics covered in class. Further details on the essay question and marking criteria are posted on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Synthesise research findings in relation to the role played by notions of accountability in Australian governance into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented in referenced, grammatically-correct writing
- Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about accountability in public policy
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
Assessment 3
Due: 13 November
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
Questions (short answer questions and short essays) based on the material covered throughout the semester will be distributed to internal students at the last class (Week 13) and posted on the POL836 iLearn on the same evening.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
- Critically reflect on existing and newly acquired professional knowledge, understanding and skills
Delivery and Resources
Classes: internal and external
For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
Internal students are expected to attend the following classes each week:
Lecture: Thursday 6-7 pm
Seminar: Thursday 7-9 pm
External students: The lecture is recorded and may be downloaded from the iLearn website shortly after it is delivered.
External students are also required to attend 2 compulsory on-campus sessions of four hours each over the semester. The dates for these sessions are:
Saturday 19 September: 2-6pm
Saturday 31 October: 2-6pm
External students are encouraged to attend weekly lectures and seminar classes – room W5C221 - whenever they can.
Attendance
University regulations prescribe regular attendance at classes. Students are expected to attend all lectures and seminars, or on-campus sessions for external students.
For internal students, failure to attend at least three-quarters of seminars risks exclusion from and no credit for the unit.
For external students, failure to attend the first on-campus session will risk exclusion from and no credit for the unit.
If you are unable to attend a class, you should provide documentary support for your absence (e.g., medical certificate). If you know that you will be unable to attend a class, or on-campus session, you should contact the convenor as early as possible.
Resources
This unit has a unit webpage which is accessible only to currently enrolled students. Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
There is no text book for this unit. All required readings will be accessible electronically via the Macquarie University Library iShare system. Links will be posted on the iLearn site.
Unit Schedule
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Week |
Topic |
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1 |
Introduction and overview |
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2 |
Historical and theoretical introduction |
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3 |
Changing conceptions of responsibility and accountability |
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4 |
The legislature: parliamentary mechanisms of accountability |
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5 |
The executive: mechanisms of accountability |
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6 |
The role of the judiciary: judicial independence and judicial activism |
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7 |
Judicial mechanisms of accountability: judicial review |
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Mid-semester break On-campus session for external students |
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8 |
‘New’ administrative law |
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9 |
Integrity agencies, inquiries and royal commissions |
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10 |
Whistleblowers and protected disclosures |
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11 |
Changes to accountability: outsourcing |
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12 |
The importance of information |
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On-campus session for external students |
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13 |
The politics of accountability: crisis, blaming and framing |
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
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
- Critically reflect on existing and newly acquired professional knowledge, understanding and skills
Assessment tasks
- Assessment 1
- 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
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Identify and critically evaluate dominant theories of accountability and responsibility in respect of democratic governance, and apply these to specific accountability mechanisms and specific real-world cases
- Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about accountability in public policy
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
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Identify and critically evaluate dominant theories of accountability and responsibility in respect of democratic governance, and apply these to specific accountability mechanisms and specific real-world cases
- Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about accountability in public policy
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
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
- Synthesise research findings in relation to the role played by notions of accountability in Australian governance into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented in referenced, grammatically-correct writing
- Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about accountability in public policy
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
- Critically reflect on existing and newly acquired professional knowledge, understanding and skills
Assessment tasks
- Assessment 1
- 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
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of accountability and responsibility and their role within democratic policy-making
- Identify and critically evaluate dominant theories of accountability and responsibility in respect of democratic governance, and apply these to specific accountability mechanisms and specific real-world cases
- Synthesise research findings in relation to the role played by notions of accountability in Australian governance into a simple, logical and coherent argument to be presented in referenced, grammatically-correct writing
- Develop the ability to identify research problems or gaps in extant knowledge about accountability in public policy
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
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
- Identify and address the ethical dimensions of accountability issues when they arise in professional contexts
- Critically reflect on existing and newly acquired professional knowledge, understanding and skills
Assessment tasks
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
- Assessment 3