Students

POL 207 – Australian Governments and Public Policy

2015 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Geoffrey Hawker
Contact via geoffrey.hawker@mq.edu.au
W6A 428
Friday 1-2pm or by appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp or (3cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit surveys recent literature of public policy studies and policy analysis and examines the complex processes of governmental policy making. Questions are raised about the state in contemporary society and the distribution of power in the unfolding stages of policy development, implementation and evaluation. The unit draws on analytical literature from a variety of sources, but its empirical content is supported throughout by Australian examples.

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:

  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates written communication skills
  • Demonstrates oral communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

General Assessment Information

The late submission of work is not permitted unless evidence is provided of medical issues or unavoidable misadventure.  

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Short Essay 20% Week 6 No
Class presentation 25% To be selected No
Research essay 30% Week 12 No
Examination 25% Following week 13 No

Short Essay

Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

 

All students are required to submit a short essay (maximum 1,100 words) by 17:00 (5pm) on (or before) Thursday 2 April 2015 (end of week 6).  The word limit does not include referencing and the bibliography (both of which are required).  The list of essay questions will be posted on iLearn in week 2.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates written communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Class presentation

Due: To be selected
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

Internal students are required to select one of the discussion questions from the weekly list and prepare speaking notes (dot points) on that question, and then address the class for ten minutes, taking and answering three subsequent questions from the class within a further period of five minutes.  The speaking notes are handed in at that session.  Weeks will be allocated in the first tutorial (that is, in Week 2) and it is important that class members are ready to nominate their questions at that time.  Arrangements for changing times will be possible but only for substantiated reasons of illness or misadventure.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates oral communication skills

Research essay

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

 

All students are required to submit a research essay (2,100 words) by the end of Week 12 (17:00 - 5pm, Friday 29 May 2015).  A list of research essay questions will be posted on iLearn in Week 4.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates written communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Examination

Due: Following week 13
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:

 

All students are required to take an examination at the conclusion of the course. The examination is conducted on-line (or "at home") and has a limited time for completion of twenty-four hours.  It will consist of short answers, puzzles about policy and 'micro-essays'.  The timing of the digital mail-out will be discussed and agreed in class.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Refer to course outline on iLearn.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

Readings  

Texts 

The recommended text is Catherine Althaus, Peter Bridgman & Glyn Davis, The Australian Policy Handbook, 5th edition, 2012. Previous editions, authored by Bridgman & Davis, are also useful. 

Other useful texts for additional reference include: Alan Fenna, Australian Public Policy, 2nd edition, Pearson Longman, 2004; Sarah Maddison & Richard Denniss, An Introduction to Australian Public Policy: Theory and Practice, Cambridge University Press, 2009; and Carol Bacchi, Analysing Policy: What’s the problem represented to be? Pearson Australia, 2009 

Journals 

Australian Journal of Political Science; Australian Journal of Public Administration; Australian Journal of Politics and History; Canberra Bulletin of Public Administration; Governance: An International Journal of Policy and Administration; Public Administration (UK); Public Administration Review; and Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice 

Technology Used and Required

iLearn

Unit Schedule

See course outline on iLearn.

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

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay
  • Research essay
  • Examination

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrates written communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Assessment tasks

  • Class presentation
  • Examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates written communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Assessment task

  • Examination

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates oral communication skills

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay
  • Class presentation
  • Research essay
  • Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates oral communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay
  • Class presentation
  • Research essay
  • Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay
  • Research essay
  • Examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills about key problems and political considerations in the development of policy
  • Demonstrates written communication skills
  • Demonstrates oral communication skills
  • Demonstrates an ability to undertake research and reveal an understanding of the linkages between theoretical perspectives and policy processes

Assessment tasks

  • Short Essay
  • Class presentation
  • Research essay
  • Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates written communication skills

Assessment task

  • Research essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Delineates assumptions underlying the content of policies in the public domain
  • Demonstrates written communication skills

Assessment task

  • Research essay