In this course students examine the role of evidence, knowledge production and politics in policy analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on equipping students with skills to critically evaluate common techniques used for policy analysis, such as modelling, impact evaluation and cost benefit analysis. Students begin with an overview of the logic and rationale for commonly used techniques, before moving on to consider the practical, political and epistemic considerations necessary to effectively contextualize these (and similar) techniques. Through applied exercises students will gain skills in interpreting and evaluating the appropriateness and applicability of evidence in policy analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of key terms and concepts associated with evidence and policy analysis.
- Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to generate policy-relevant evidence.
- Critically evaluate the appropriateness of using different types of evidentiary approaches in policy analysis.
- Contribute to informed discussions on evidence based policy making, and the politics of knowledge production and use.
- Demonstrate the ability to think independently and communicate persuasively and consider a range of scholarly positions in drawing conclusions.
Indicative Assessment
- Policy analysis practice reflection (1000 words) (20) [LO 1,4,5]
- Report evaluating potential forms of evidence (1500 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- Take-home exam (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Argyrous G (ed) (2009) Evidence for policy and decision-making: a practical guide, University of New South Wales Press, Sydney.
Cairney P (2016) The politics of evidence-based policy making, Palgrave MacMillan, London.
Meltzer R and Schwartz A (2019) Policy analysis as problem solving: a flexible and evidence-based framework, Routledge, New York.
Moran M, Rein M and Goodin RE (eds) (2006) The Oxford handbook of public policy, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Parkhurst J (2016) The politics of evidence: from evidence-based policy to the good governance of evidence, Routledge, Abingdon, Oxon.
Radin BA (2019) Policy analysis in the twenty-first century: complexity, conflict and cases, Routledge, New York, NY.
Assumed Knowledge
POGO8401 Foundations in Public Policy
POGO8096 Policy Research
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 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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