Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Evidence, Policy and Practice

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

POLI1095

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2016,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2022

POLI1095

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Internet

 Sem 1 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Alexa Ridgway

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8410

Course Coordinator Email: alexa.ridgway@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 37. Floor 4.

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Evidence is used to justify policy and practice decisions, advocacy efforts and change initiatives. It has become an increasingly important feature of the policy and practice landscape. This course will explore the contested nature of evidence, the assumptions driving policy/practice research and its subsequent use.

You will examine the production, use and politics of evidence in a range of government and non-government contexts, and develop your capacity and confidence for critical and practical engagement with evidence informed policy and practice.

This is a WIL course where your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a simulated workplace environment. You will undertake learning activities and assessments which are designed to support your career development. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

You will be assessed on your development of the following program learning outcomes:

  • Use strategic thinking and planning to develop creative evidence-based solutions for contemporary social problems/policy issues
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on complex theories, evidence and modes of reasoning, and recent developments both local and international, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in public policy
  • Analyse policy research, develop effective arguments for policy change and successfully scope, produce and disseminate policy evidence, using these skills to plan and execute a substantial research-based project
  • Engage in high level logical and persuasive written communication and public presentations, and confidently debate, prepare and critique policy documents and proposals


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  1. Interpret and critique the evidence associated with a particular policy issue
  2. Effectively use existing data and research findings to advocate for a policy position in a range of genres
  3. Scope and manage the production of policy evidence


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of online activities such as lectures, tutorials, group and class discussion, group activities and individual research.

 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

There are services and resources available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT student website. 


Overview of Assessment

The course will bring together workshop based theoretical understanding and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activity case studies from a range of public sector and not for profit organisations. Participation in WIL activity means your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a real or simulated workplace context.

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.

Assessment Tasks

Background Brief -  50%  2000 words.

Rapid evidence review question -  20% 800 words.

Rapid Evidence Review Strategy – 35%. 2200 words

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.