POLIS 7024OL - Political Institutions and Policy-Making

Online - Online Teaching 2 - 2024

This course provides a general introduction to policy making principles and processes for postgraduate students. the course uses Australia as the main case study but provides comparisons to other states as appropriate. The aim of the course is to provide the political context in which debates about cyber security and other international relations issues takes place. The course utilises a number of approaches to public policy and administration so that students emerge from the course with knowledge about decision-making processes but also the assumptions and constraints which guide those decisions. We cover the main political actors, problem definition, agenda-setting, communication, institutional decision-making, and policy implementation and review.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code POLIS 7024OL
    Course Political Institutions and Policy-Making
    Coordinating Unit Politics and International Relations
    Term Online Teaching 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available only to Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security [Online], Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security [Online], Master of Cyber Security [Online] students only
    Course Description This course provides a general introduction to policy making principles and processes for postgraduate students. the course uses Australia as the main case study but provides comparisons to other states as appropriate. The aim of the course is to provide the political context in which debates about cyber security and other international relations issues takes place. The course utilises a number of approaches to public policy and administration so that students emerge from the course with knowledge about decision-making processes but also the assumptions and constraints which guide those decisions. We cover the main political actors, problem definition, agenda-setting, communication, institutional decision-making, and policy implementation and review.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Tiziana Torresi

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Evaluate the relevant social, historical, economic, ideological and international context and constraints in which policy debates occur and political institutions function.

    2. Critically analyse the way in which government policies are formulated and given effect, taking into account political, social and economic factors.

    3. Appraise proposals for cultural awareness to be incorporated into public policy processes, including Australian Aboriginal community knowledge and perspectives.

    4. Recommend analytically sound arguments for the purpose of influencing contemporary cyber-security policy, drawing on real-world case studies.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3,4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    2,3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    All reading and videos for the course can be accessed via MyUni
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Students should expect to spend a minimum of 20-25 hours per week on this course:
    Discussions in forums (1-2 hours) 
    Quizzes
    (1-2 hours)
    Readings and guided research (4-5 hours)
    Weekly Zoom tutorial sessions (1.5-2 hours)
    Content-based assessment (10-15 hours) including revision and formative assessment
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week 1
    Political Actors and the Policy Cycle
    Week 2
    The Policy Cycle in Action
    Week 3
    Policy Case Studies
    Week 4
    Policy Implementation
    Week 5
    Policy Advocacy
    Week 6
    Writing to Influence and Persuade
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    Assessment 1: Quizzes
    20%

    Assessment 2: Policy Case Studies
    40%

    Assessment 3: Writing a Policy Brief
    40%
    Assessment Detail
    Quizzes - tests understanding of course material

    Policy case studies - tests ability to conduct a policy analysis of two case studies demonstrating. You must demonstrate understanding of the political, economic and social contexts of policy making. 

    Policy brief - tests ability perform policy analysis and make policy recommendations on an issue related to cyber-security policy.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support

    Counselling for Fully Online Postgraduate Students

    Fully online students can access counselling services here:

    Phone: 1800 512 155 (24/7) 

    SMS service: 0439 449 876 (24/7) 

    Email: info@assureprograms.com.au

    Go to the Study Smart Hub to learn more, or speak to your Student Success Advisor (SSA) on 1300 296 648 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–5pm ACST/ACDT, Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm ACST/ACDT)

  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.