Year
2020
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly
1 x 1-hour tutorial weekly
Assessment
Assignments, Oral, Tests
Topic description
In this topic, students will explore the inherent challenges that governments face in allocating resources and delivering public policy. Students will delve into the debates on rational decision making, policy design processes, evidence-based policy, the social construction of policy problems, the selection of appropriate policy instruments, and the science-policy link. The emphasis will be on understanding the potential for, and the limitations of, a rational-logical approach to public policy decision making.
Educational aims
- To give exposure to theories on research utilisation, policy design, social construction of policy problems, and evidence-based policy making
- To develop an advanced understanding of how reason and evidence can and cannot be used to inform public policy
- To develop proficient research, analysis, and writing skills
- To develop proficient critical reasoning and argumentation skills.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic, students will be expected to be able to:
- Apply theories on research utilisation, policy design, social construction of policy problems, and evidence-based policy making
- Analyse the science-to-policy link as observed in current events and government decision making
- Apply research, analysis, and writing skills
- Utilise critical reasoning and argumentation skills.
Key dates and timetable
Timetable details for 2020 are no longer published.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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