Course Title: Policy Design and Implementation

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Policy Design and Implementation

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

POLI1108

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Sharon Andrews

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8239

Course Coordinator Email: sharon.andrews@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B37. L5

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the key concepts and practices underpinning policy design and implementation. The course examines traditional approaches to policy formulation and some of the newer discourses that are gaining traction within the field. In this regard, the course explores the mindsets, tools and practices that are associated with the more ‘rational’ approaches and those that are embedded within the discourse of design thinking. This course also explores the challenges of implementation and key factors that enable or limit success.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Course Learning Outcomes - upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Define key concepts related to policy design and implementation;
  • Critically analyse key practices, methodologies and tools that support policy design and the frameworks they are associated with;
  • Explore policy design alternatives to contemporary policy challenges;
  • Develop strategies to support the implementation of preferred policy designs.


In this course you will develop the following MC216 program learning outcomes:

  • Value ongoing professional development, diverse stakeholder engagement and collaborative relationships in the design and implementation of policy initiatives.
  • Use problem solving skills/methodologies to develop creative responses to contemporary social problems/policy issues;
  • Make use of complex theories, diverse evidence and modes of reasoning, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in policy and social innovation
  • Demonstrate well-developed written and oral communication skills and confidently construct, debate and critique policy arguments. 

In this course you will develop the following MC223 program learning outcomes:

  • Synthesise, rationalise, and communicate new scholarship and research to diverse professional and non-professional audiences
  • Use appropriate ethical ideas and reflective practice skills in addressing situations and problems in justice settings demonstrating cultural, social, and environmental sensitivity


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include interactive workshop activities focusing on group-based discussion and problem solving tasks. Course learning materials will be made available in a range of formats, which may include lectures, guest speakers and online media.

In order to develop your knowledge and skills, you will be expected to participate in interactive discussions and activities and to critically engage with the reading materials. The workshops offer a supportive learning environment where you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and experiences, and to learn from the knowledge and experience your peers. This peer-based learning may take place through small-group discussions, debates, presentations and/or collaborative work on activities and assessments. You are expected to attend all sessions.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be given access to a wide range of resources through a course reader or core textbook and also will be able to access to a wide range of online learning tools and content for your course from the student portal, myRMIT, and RMIT Library resources. These resources may include book chapters, journal articles, media articles, lecture notes, bibliographies for supplementary reading, video, and links to external websites. You will have the opportunity to contribute collectively to class resources by sharing your own research findings and sources with your peers.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the graduate capabilities. Assessment tasks may include, but are not limited to: participation in workshop activities; shorter written analytical tasks; group projects; and an essay. Feedback will be provided throughout the semester by your teachers and peers in class and/or online discussions, and through individual and/or group feedback on practical exercises.

  • 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 the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment