Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit coordinator
Nicholas Bromfield
Contact via Email
Hearing Hub, South Wing, Level 2
By appointment
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPPP or MPASR or GradDipPASR or GradCertPP or GradDipPP 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
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.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
The two longer paper components of assessment are linked and are designed to test your research, critical, and analytical skills. They build upon the seminars that you have conducted throughout the semester, but also require independent research and initiative. They will further require substantial preparation, reading, and research.
Time will be set aside in week 9 classes for essay questions and preparation. You should have conducted substantial preparation by this point in time so your approach can be discussed and feedback can be sought.
Regarding the participation component, research indicates that learning in university settings is a function of attendance and participation. Furthermore, students who are actively engaged through discussion, demonstration, and teaching retain more than passive learners in this endeavour.
A note on essay word limits: the reference list and title page will be excluded from the word count. Everything else, including sub-headings, references, quotes, tables/data, footnotes etc., will be included in the final count. Please do not write less or more than the set word ranges – penalties will be applied for those who do not follow these instructions.
Lateness and late penalties: If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late. For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
Critically discuss and analyse this statement: the securitization of migration policy is a necessary component of a nation-state's management of threats. Compare the securitization of migration policy in Australia with at least one other country.
Critically discuss and analyse this statement: in order to be internationally competitive, nation-states now require the flexibility that temporary migration offers. Compare the development of Australia's temporary migration policy with at least one other country.
Critically discuss and analyse this statement: the outcomes that migrants experience in countries with high degrees of multiculturalism demonstrates the effectiveness of this suite of policies. Compare Australian multiculturalism policy and migrant outcomes with at least one other country.
Design your own research question. Importantly, it must be in the form of a question. General statements and topic areas will not be accepted. The research question should address a puzzle, or gap, in the literature you have identified. This might include applying a theory to a case study comparison that hasn’t been conducted yet, the study of a new development, or even theory testing or theory development. Your selection of countries to compare will play an important role here. If you choose this option, you are required to (i) compare Australian migration policy with at least one other country; and (ii) to seek approval from Dr Bromfield for your research question by 5pm, September 1st.
You may change your essay question after the first assignment if you wish, but is recommended that you choose carefully, as switching will result in you losing any specific feedback given regarding the first chosen question.
The following criteria will inform the grading of your assessments.
Quality and appropriateness of the literature review of the theory, concepts, and typologies relevant to your research question.
Quality and appropriateness of the literature review of the case study comparison relevant to your research question.
Quality and appropriateness of the research question rationale.
Appropriate structure, language, referencing using an in-text referencing style (no footnotes), and meeting of the word limit.
Quality and appropriateness of the employment of theory, concepts, and typologies, relevant to your research question.
Quality and appropriateness of the case study comparison.
Quality and appropriateness of the overall argument. Relevant factors here will include cohesion, persuasiveness, and skilfull employment of research.
Appropriate structure, language, referencing using an in-text referencing style (no footnotes), and meeting of the word limit.
Grade |
Assessment Criteria |
Absent/Non-Satisfactory |
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Pass |
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Credit |
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Distinction |
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High Distinction |
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Adapted from: Martha L. Maznevski (1996) Grading Class Participation available Online:
http://trc.virginia.edu/Publications/Teaching_Concerns/Spring_1996/TC_Spring_1996_Maznevski.htm
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Literature review & rationale | 30% | Yes | Sept 15, 11.59pm AEST |
Major essay | 50% | Yes | Nov 10, 11.59pm AEST |
Participation | 20% | Yes | Ongoing |
Due: Sept 15, 11.59pm AEST
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
This first assessment is a preparatory assignment for the major essay. It requires three major components:
A review of the literature on the theory/conceptual approach/typologies to your research question (approx. 500 words).
A review of the scholarly and secondary literature on your research question’s countries of comparison (approx. 500 words).
A brief statement of your approach to the research question and setting out of its rationale (approx. 500 words).
This assignment has one minor component:
A very brief introduction is required, stating the general topic to be examined and a short roadmap of the paper structure (approx. 100 words). Section 3 above detailing your approach to the research question and rationale should serve as your conclusion.
Word limit: 1500-2000 words. N.B. The reference list and title page will be excluded from the word count. Everything else, including sub-headings, references, quotes, tables/data, footnotes etc., will be included in the final count. Please do not write less or more than the set word ranges – penalties will be applied for those who do not follow these instructions.
N.B. This assignment is not a plan for your essay. Essays that fail to do the above and waste time setting out the precise detail of their essays or rehearsing their arguments for the essay, will grade poorly, or even fail.
A literature review requires a comprehensive survey on what has been written on a topic. You should set out what has been written on your research question, including what the major debates, controversies, schools of thought, and data that exist are. Further, you are required to explain the rationale behind your approach to the research question in the final section. What theory/typology will you adopt and why? What evidence will you need and why? Your selection of countries to compare will play an important role here and needs to be explained too.
Since this is a review of the literature, you are required to find and cite a minimum of 20 peer-reviewed and scholarly sources. At least 12 sources must be found independently, and cannot be set readings. Reports and research from governments, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks etc, or media reports from reputable sources will in all likelihood be required and may be appropriately included and cited too (especially in section 2 on the case study), but will not count towards the 20 peer-reviewed and scholarly sources.
For an example of a literature review, see: Donato, K. M., Gabaccia, D., Holdaway, J., Manalansan, M. and Pessar, P. R. (2006), ‘A Glass Half Full? Gender in Migration Studies’. International Migration Review, 40: 3–26. doi:10.1111/j.1747-7379.2006.00001.x.
Due: Nov 10, 11.59pm AEST
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
The major essay is the culmination of the preparatory work conducted in the first assessment. You should have acted on the feedback and advice given in your previous assessment and discussions and further engaged with research on your topic.
The essay has one major component:
Answer your essay question in an essay format.
This assignment has three minor components:
State your thesis, and clearly signal your argument, in your introduction (approx. 250 words).
Provide a brief literature review and justification of your focus immediately after the introduction (approx. 300 words).
Use the remainder of your essay to skilfully and persuasively mount your argument, employing the theories/concepts/typologies that you have identified.
Word limit: 2500-3000 words. N.B. The reference list and title page will be excluded from the word count. Everything else, including sub-headings, references, quotes, tables/data, footnotes etc., will be included in the final count. Please do not write less or more than the set word ranges – penalties will be applied for those who do not follow these instructions.
Like the first assessment, you are required to find and cite at least 20 peer-reviewed and scholarly sources, 12 of which must be found independently, and and cannot be from the set readings. Further secondary literature from reputable government, international organisation, NGO, media, etc. sources will also be required, but will not count towards the 20 peer-reviewed materials.
Further guidance on the structure of the assessments will be provided well-beforehand in essay writing workshop and will be hosted on iLearn.
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Attendance and participation is a requirement of this unit. This assessment has two major components:
Classes will run weekly from 6pm-9pm in W5A 201.
No specific technological requirements are needed by students. Lectures will be recorded and lecture slides will be hosted on iLearn before each class for those students who wish to utilise the slides for note taking.
Weekly readings are listed on iLearn and are hosted by the library. Search for POL821 on the library homepage.
POL821: Case Studies in Politics and Policy
Dr Nicholas Bromfield
2017
Week 1 – Introduction to Australian migration policy in comparative perspective
Week 2 – Recapping theories of public policy and the comparative method
Week 3 – Migration policy and theory: some major perspectives
Week 4 – The politics of immigration policy
Week 5 – High skilled economic immigration in Australia compared
Week 6 – Temporary economic immigration in Australia compared
Week 7 – The securitization of migration: the Bali process and Frontex compared
Week 8 – No lecture: public holiday
Week 9 - Essay writing workshop
Week 10 – Importing and exporting Australian asylum policy: policy transfer and diffusion
Week 11 – Complaining about what, precisely?: irregular migration in Australia compared
Week 12 – What happens when immigrants get here?: migrant outcomes and citizenship in Australia compared
Week 13 – Our way of life?: integration, assimilation and multiculturalism in Australia compared
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_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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: