Students
SOC 825 – Activism and Policy Design
2016 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Shaun Wilson
W6A 829
5-6pm Wednesdays or by appt | Class time 6-8pm WEDS | W5C 213
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPASR or PGDipPASR or PGCertPASR or GradDipPASR or GradCertPASR or PGDipPP or PGCertPP or MSocEntre or PGCertSocEntre or MPPP or GradDipPP or GradCertPP or MDevStudGlobalHlth
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the broader process of policy development, focusing on how different actors attempt to influence policy development. The unit covers a range of actors, from political parties, Ministers and the bureaucracy to social movements, business lobby groups and community organisations. The unit considers how these groups shape policy making and policy outcomes.
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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:
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
- Understand contemporary theories of the state, political and social power
- Develop critical knowledge of the dynamic processes of policy formation and contestation in politics
- Develop greater historical, conceptual and empirical knowledge about contemporary social movements and contentious actors
- Understand the difference between routine and contentious politics
- Develop knowledge of theories of policy making
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar presentation | 25% | During semester | No | ||
| Final Assignment | 60% | Week 13 | No | ||
| Weekly participation | 15% | Ongoing | No |
Seminar presentation
Due: During semester
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Leading a seminar is a great way to develop presentation skills and to encourage others to participate.
You will be required to lead the seminar discussion for one of the 12 weeks of topics available. You may do so on your own, or with another student, depending on topic availability and space.
Tasks are:
(i) a short written presentation (to be handed out to class members) OR a powerpoint presentation (total time -- 20 mins up to 30 mins)
(ii) to lead discussion on the topic by (a) raising questions for class discussion or (b) setting the class a problem/dilemma to solve or confront or (c) to use a short reading/multimedia that can be read/viewed in class
(iii) to respond to questions and comments from class members and from the lecturer
Marking and suggestions
Items (i) and (ii) above will be awarded a score out of 10 marks and item (iii) will be marked out of 5 (for a total to be scored out of 25 marks).
You should prepare enough material for a discussion of 45 minutes [that only requires a few good questions, or some stimulus]. You can discuss preparation with me in the week prior to your presentation.
I will follow with my lecture material for that week.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
- Understand contemporary theories of the state, political and social power
- Develop critical knowledge of the dynamic processes of policy formation and contestation in politics
- Develop greater historical, conceptual and empirical knowledge about contemporary social movements and contentious actors
- Understand the difference between routine and contentious politics
Final Assignment
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 60%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
An assignment that involves answering 7 questions in 500-700 words. The assignment will ask you to (i) critically engage with the social movement/public policy literature and (ii) to develop analytical responses to a series of contemporary problems faced by activists and policymakers alike.
Alternative: an essay topic or mini research project on a social movement or an activist campaign (to be discussed with me).
The assignment (& alternative essay/project) will be made available in week 8.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
- Understand contemporary theories of the state, political and social power
- Develop critical knowledge of the dynamic processes of policy formation and contestation in politics
- Develop greater historical, conceptual and empirical knowledge about contemporary social movements and contentious actors
- Develop knowledge of theories of policy making
Weekly participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
This unit is run as a seminar that requires active participation and engagement. Getting involved in discussions and group work is important to the unit's success and to your mark overall.
You need to attend 80% of classes and will be graded for participation and evidence of preparation for class (completed readings, etc).
So, that would mean around 10 out of the 13 weeks of classes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
- Understand contemporary theories of the state, political and social power
- Develop critical knowledge of the dynamic processes of policy formation and contestation in politics
- Understand the difference between routine and contentious politics
Delivery and Resources
As mentioned, the unit will be run as a graduate seminar with an emphasis on discussion and participation. You can expect around 50-70 minutes of discussion and a 30 minute mini-lecture from me that develops the discussion further, covers key concepts and ideas, and asks questions of the group.
The main thing is to keep in touch with the readings. It will make a major difference to your participation and enjoyment of the course. I'll give
advice to busy students about how to manage the readings so that they are easy to keep track of.
Unit Schedule
| Week | Topic | Date | Available for student seminar |
| 1 | Introduction | 3 August | No |
| 2 | Black Lives Matter | 10 August | Yes |
| 3 | Gun violence and firearms policy | 17 August | Yes |
| 4 | What are social movements? (Theory I) | 24 August | Yes |
| 5 | Political opportunity structures (Theory II) | 31 August | Yes |
| 6 | Social and political participation patterns in Australia | 7 September | Yes |
| 7 | When unions and environmentalists enter politics: From movements to parties | 14 September | Yes |
| 8 | Change from within: Femocrats and HIV activists use bureaucratic agency to meet social challenges | 4 October | Yes |
| 9 | Lobbying for policy change | 11 October | Yes |
| 10 | Social movements and lethal conflicts | 18 October | Yes |
| 11 | Activist coalitions (Theory III) | 25 October | Yes |
| 12 | Digital mobilisation | 2 November | Yes |
| 13 | Conclusion and course wrap | 9 November | If needed |
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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://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.
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 outcome
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
Assessment tasks
- Final Assignment
- Weekly participation
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
- Understand contemporary theories of the state, political and social power
- Develop critical knowledge of the dynamic processes of policy formation and contestation in politics
- Develop greater historical, conceptual and empirical knowledge about contemporary social movements and contentious actors
- Understand the difference between routine and contentious politics
- Develop knowledge of theories of policy making
Assessment tasks
- Final Assignment
- Weekly participation
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
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
- Understand contemporary theories of the state, political and social power
- Develop critical knowledge of the dynamic processes of policy formation and contestation in politics
- Understand the difference between routine and contentious politics
- Develop knowledge of theories of policy making
Assessment tasks
- Final Assignment
- Weekly participation
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 outcome
- Understand the dynamics of social and political change and its impact on policy
Assessment task
- Final Assignment
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 outcome
- Develop greater historical, conceptual and empirical knowledge about contemporary social movements and contentious actors
Assessment tasks
- Seminar presentation
- Final Assignment
- Weekly participation
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:
Assessment task
- Weekly participation
More detail on the content of the unit
In democratic societies, we may think of policy-making as a technical process dominated by elite actors such as politicians in parliaments, analysts and bureaucrats, and lobbyists connected to ‘big interests’ or think-tanks. This view of policy-making is a fair representation of reality for the most part, but it leaves out one other important set of influences—the impact of those ‘from below’ who make up a variety of social forces and movements that act collectively to pressure for policy change and reform. Political systems produce stable structures through which policy can be produced and influenced through 'routine' channels (parliaments, committees, etc.) Occasionally, policy change involves a level of contention and conflict that forces actors to move beyond routine channels and to engage in the policy process in more activist ways.
Activism at all levels of policy-making thus involves the mobilisation of resources and power of different kinds, not only to promote particular interests but often to engage in paradigmatic and symbolic struggle over the definition, scope and meaning of policy interventions. Policy activism in turns depends on access to power, resources and networks of different kinds. A large business is likely to have access to money, advertising, influential networks, and law in the pursuit of interests whereas a community group attempting to prevent a freeway or mining project is unlikely to have such resources and will draw on collective action, symbolic challenges, access to allies, and public opinion in making its voice heard.
Of course, activist appeals are shaped by the political and policy opportunity structures that will also shape the dynamic field of the contest over policy and also shape the likelihood of success.
This course draws on themes in political sociology, social policy, policy studies, political science and political economy to help account for concepts, debates and unresolved questions about the contestation of policy in democratic societies. The subject matter is at the fascinating intersection of state structures, social movement and activist contention, and the procedures and opportunities involved in policy-making. Course content ranges from the theoretical and conceptual to the empirical and practical.
I very much hope you enjoy the course and feel comfortable to participate.