Students

POL 207 – Governance, Power and Public Policy

2019 – S1 External

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor/Lecturer
Vince Scappatura
Francesco Stolfi
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above or (3cp in HIST or MHIS or POL units)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
POIX207
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to contemporary debates about how public policy problems are addressed. It does this by tracing the change from government to governance and considers the range of policy instruments now regularly used to respond to policy problems. This includes, for example, the use of market based solutions. Students are also introduced to key actors and institutions, as well as to the range of theories for analysing public policy.

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:

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

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.”

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online/In-class Forum 10% No weekly
Online Quizzes 20% No Weekly
Research Essay 50% No Week 10
Take Home Exam 20% No TBA

Online/In-class Forum

Due: weekly
Weighting: 10%

There are two components to this assessment task:

1. each student will be asked to post one brief topic presentation during the course, to start the discussion in one of the weeks between weeks 2-12. Allocation of topic weeks will occur in the first week of the unit. Your allocated presentation will need to be made no later than Tuesday of the topic week, and a written version with referencing should be submitted to Turnitin by the end of that week for assessment. Note: the focus of the presentation is on the reading and any questions that might have raised in your mind - you are not expected to have listened to the lecture at that point.

2. if you are not making a presentation, you will be expected to engage in the ensuing discussion about the topic. This should take place within two weeks of the topic week. You should be prepared to discuss the topic with reference to the essential tutorial readings and current or recent events going on in Australia (or beyond). Real-life examples are great ways to think through the theories and concepts that come up in the readings.

(Note: if your situation is such that you expect to have difficulty completing this assessment in the form outlined above, you need to contact your tutor and/or Campus Well-being immediately so your options can be discussed).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Online Quizzes

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

After each lecture, you will be asked to briefly and informally answer some questions relating to the lecture and weekly reading in an online quiz. You must complete each week's quiz within two weeks of the lecture. The purpose of the quizzes is to reinforce important points in relation to what you have been hearing and reading. This purpose is lost of they are left any longer. The focus is quite tight. You should not do any further reading. Your lecture notes and reading notes will be sufficient.

(Note: if your situation is such that you expect to have difficulty completing this assessment in the form outlined above, you need to contact your tutor and/or Campus Well-being immediately so your options can be discussed).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them

Research Essay

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 50%

The essay, approximately 2500 words in length, provides students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest in depth. Students should develop a considered argument in response to a specific question based on reading a range of sources wider than simply the key readings (Students must read and refer to a minimum of 15 substantive sources). The essay must fully meet academic requirements regarding style, presentation and referencing. Submission is through Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Take Home Exam

Due: TBA
Weighting: 20%

The take-home exam will be made available on iLearn. Students will have 48 hours to complete the exam. Fufrther details will be provided during gthe semester. Submission will be through Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Delivery and Resources

1x2-hour lecture weekly - recorded Wednesday 11am-1pm. Recordings generally become available via the Echo link on the iLearn page shortly after the lecture has concluded.

Online participation via iLearn forums.

 

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:

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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

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 outcomes

  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment task

  • Research Essay

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

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

  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment tasks

  • Online/In-class Forum
  • Online Quizzes
  • Research Essay

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment tasks

  • Online/In-class Forum
  • Online Quizzes
  • Research Essay
  • Take Home Exam

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment tasks

  • Online/In-class Forum
  • Online Quizzes
  • Research Essay
  • Take Home Exam

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 outcomes

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment tasks

  • Online/In-class Forum
  • Online Quizzes
  • Research Essay
  • Take Home Exam

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment tasks

  • Online/In-class Forum
  • Online Quizzes
  • Research Essay
  • Take Home Exam

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

  • Explain and critically analyse the way in which power and politics impact on public policy and the policy process
  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Recognise, understand and apply the most common theoretical approaches used in studying politics and policy, and identify differences and similarities between them
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses

Assessment tasks

  • Online/In-class Forum
  • 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

  • Identify the range of actors and institutions involved in the policy process, using the Australian example as the basis for comparison with other policy environments
  • Analyse the role of different actors and institutions in influencing policy in networks, subsystems or communities
  • Identify, critically analyse and discuss the major debates and controversies involved in this subject, including debates around the proper role of government, the shift from government to governance, the impact of globalisation, and the role of public and interest group participation in the policy process
  • Analyse the policy-making process using several different models, or theories, and critically evaluate these by applying them to real-world case studies, and demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses