This course is concerned with how public policies are made, implemented and evaluated. It introduces students to central debates in policy studies and examines concepts, models and tools for making and evaluating policy programs. We will consider various actors involved in the policy making process, and the institutional and ideational structures within which they typically operate. We will also reflect on how values and interests influence what policy issues get attention, and how they shape decisions, outcomes and evaluation procedures. Throughout the course scholarly debates are combined with practical examples from Australia and abroad.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On successful completion students will be able to:
- demonstrate a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of public policy
- understand and critically engage with relevant literature on public policy
- reflect on debates in public policy by drawing connections between theory and practice
- contribute to informed discussions on the politics and practices of making, implementing and evaluating public policy
- demonstrate an understanding of the methodological and political aspects of policy evaluation
- demonstrate the ability to think independently, develop informed perspectives and persuasively communicate in the field of public policy
Indicative Assessment
Assessment | Length | Mode of Submission | Due Date / Time | Weight | Learning Outcomes |
Reading Responses | 250 words each | In the tutorial | 28 February 7 March 14 March 28 March | 5% 5% 5% 5% | 1,2,3,4,6 |
Paper
|
250 words
1800 words |
In the tutorial
Assignment box (next to Student Services desk) |
21 March
15 April (5pm) |
10%
40% |
1,2,3,6
1,2,3,6 |
Evaluation Scenario Exam | 60 minutes | In the lecture (under exam conditions) | 8 May | 30% | 3,5,6 |
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Weekly lectures and tutorials (see timetable)
Requisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
Davis, G. et al. (eds) 1993 Public Policy in Australia 2nd edition, Allen & Unwin, pp. 157-164
Chapters 1,2 and 5 from
Colebatch, H. 2002, Policy, Open University Press
Assumed Knowledge
At least 2-3 years work experience in the public sector or non-government sector is essential.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.