Students
POIR900 – Policy Design and Practice
2018 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Francesco Stolfi
Contact via Email
Australian Hearing Hub, level 2, South Wing
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MPPP and 24cp at 800 level or above) or (admission to MPPPMDevStud or MPPPMPASR or MPPPMIntRel)
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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 requires students to draw on theoretical and discipline knowledge and use these to engage actively in a current and topical policy problem. The students will have opportunities to consult experts and stakeholders in a given policy area and identify relevant evidence, expert opinion and stakeholder views. Students will explore a range of problem definitions and scenarios, and consider alternative policy solutions. Working collaboratively in teams, students will develop and present a comprehensive and constructive policy proposal which demonstrates an awareness of ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in the specific policy context.
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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:
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assignment Submission for Short Essay and Policy Analysis
These two 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.
Marks and comments for the Short Reflections will be provided by email.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short reflections | 35% | No | Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 |
| Short Essay (Scoping Paper) | 25% | No | Sunday of Week 8 |
| Policy Analysis | 40% | No | Sunday of Week 13 |
Short reflections
Due: Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9
Weighting: 35%
You will be required to post a short reflection of 750 words on set topics each fortnight. There will be a total of 4 of these blog posts over the semester. These will be posted on a blog inside iLearn so that other students can read and respond to your work. Your blog posts should be based on careful reflection and analysis of the unit readings.
Further details will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
Due: Sunday of Week 8
Weighting: 25%
This short essay should be presented as a scoping document, outlining your understanding of the policy problem which we are working on throughout this unit. You will be expected to conduct independent research for this task. Your essay should consider the following aspects of the policy problem:
- the purpose of the policy and how it fits with other policies in the same area
- analysis of the problem definition, including alternative definitions
- assumptions which impact on your policy proposal (including assessment of the ethical, economic, social and cultural factors which are significant in this specific context)
- assessment of the constraints in terms of resources, timing, public opinion, and political context
Further details, including the marking criteria, will be provided on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Policy Analysis
Due: Sunday of Week 13
Weighting: 40%
This final assessment task requires you to present your analysis of the policy problem and its context, and to explain your choice of policy recommendations to address the problem. This essay will build on previous assessment tasks.
Your analysis should include consideration of the following aspects:
- problem definition
- stakeholder positions
- available resources
- appropriate selection of policy instruments
- potential delivery issues
- proposed criteria for evaluation of the policy
Further details, including the marking criteria, will be posted on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Delivery and Resources
Important: compulsory attendance at on-campus sessions
This unit is taught in "block teaching" mode.
There are no weekly internal classes in this unit.
There will be bi-weekly tasks, mini-lectures and other activities, including assessments, and these are presented in detail on iLearn.
Resources:
This unit has an iLearn website which can be accessed via iLearn.mq.edu.au.
Information about required readings and how to access them is on the iLearn site.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 outcomes
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Policy Analysis
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, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Policy Analysis
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, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Critically consider a range of factors affecting problem definition and the development of appropriate policy solutions
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Policy Analysis
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
- Identify, critically analyse and synthesise evidence which is relevant to policy making from a wide range of cross-disciplinary sources
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Policy Analysis
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
- Communicate policy recommendations effectively and appropriately to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Assessment task
- Policy Analysis
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
- Apply theoretical material related to public policy to a specific real-world policy problem
- Identify and respond to ethical, political, social, economic and cultural factors which are significant in a specific policy context
Assessment tasks
- Short reflections
- Short Essay (Scoping Paper)
- Policy Analysis
Changes from Previous Offering
The unit is entirely online this semester. There is no campus session.