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Policy Design: From Theory to Practice (POLS30035)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject is designed to develop students’ knowledge of the theory and practice of making public policy. It provides a survey of the principal theories of the policy process, some of which emphasise a formal rational process and others of which emphasise the role of institutional process and discourse, and the recent turn to design thinking. The subject examines different governance systems and institutional changes,and contemporary issues in policy design. It includes policy design theory and the use of data in the policy process, and the link between theory and practice.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:




 

  • Demonstrate a sophisticated and critical and comparative understanding of key theories about the policy design process; and
  • Demonstrate conceptual sophistication in the analysis of the practical politics of the policy process; and
  • Develop knowledge of how to find and how to analyse relevant data; and
  • Demonstrate advanced critical skills in the presentation of policy options, evidence and communication; and
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate different sources of evidence in the development of arguments; and
  • Work productively and collaboratively in groups with other students.

Generic skills

On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • apply theory to analyse current events; and
  • write analytic documents for policy consumers in limited time frames; and
  • evaluate claims by competing theories and analytic frameworks for greatest explanatory power.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MULT20003 Critical Analytical Skills
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Students are expected to be enrolled in the Politics and International Studies major and have completed MULT20003 Critical Analytical Skills. It is recommended students have completed POLS20008 Public Policy Making.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • Critical evaluative paper of 1,000 words, 25% (week 4)
  • Group project on data analysis and policy design, 1000 words, 25% (delivered during weeks 5 - 10)
  • Research essay of 2000 words, 50% (due during the examination period)
  • Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required.
  • Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours24 contact hours per semester. 2 hour seminar each week, supported by online and in-class eTeaching materials
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018
    Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018
    Census date31 March 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018
    Assessment period ends22 June 2018

    Semester 1 contact information

    jmlewis@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    MajorPolitics and International Studies
  • Links to additional information

    http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/ssps

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

Last updated: 3 November 2022