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Policy Design: From Theory to Practice (POLS30035)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2021
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
Overview
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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 (Online) |
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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Critical evaluative paper
| Week 4 | 25% |
Group project on data analysis and policy design
| From Week 5 to Week 10 | 25% |
Research essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
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. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
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
Not available in 2021
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:
Type Name Major Politics and International Studies - Links to additional information
- 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022