This course examines the application of public choice theory to problems in politics including political conflicts, decision-making, political institutions and ways of improving public policy making.  Public choice theory seeks to account for the behaviour of individuals in non-market environments using simple models of political decision-making seeking to look beneath the surface phenomena of political institutions and processes to discover the mechanisms for which political outcomes emerge.  It shows how well-meaning politicians and policies can end up with inefficient outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. debate the assumptions and limitations of public choice theory and apply the ‘tools’ associated with the theory;
2. use the core arguments of public choice and the principles of spatial analysis to explore and analyse political situations, institutions and complex political processes in liberal democracies; and
3. demonstrate the ability to think and write coherently, logically, and creatively about public choice and politics in the academic style associated with the discipline

Research-Led Teaching

The course provides the tools to understand and application of public choice theory to the study of politics and government. The issues covered in lecture are simplified versions of models employed in political science. Students will have their own opportunity to apply the theories and techniques from this course in their research paper.

Examination Material or equipment

Exam is 24 hour open book take-home exam during the exam period and scheduled through timetabling.

Required Resources

There are 2 required texts for the course, which can be ordered online and are on res.

Shepsle, Kenneth A. 2010. Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Institutions. 2nd edition. W.W. Norton & Company.

Hindmoor, Andrew, and Brad Taylor. 2015. Rational Choice. Palgrave Macmillan. 2nd edition.

Note, there may be some 2006 first editions of Rational Choice still in distribution. There are some major differences (chapters are reorganised, and in some cases, completely replaced), but it is still an acceptable choice. The first and second editions of both textbooks will be on two hour reserve at Chifley. 

Recommended Resources

Butler, Eamonn. 2012. Public Choice – A Primer. Institute for Economic Affairs. http://www.iea.org.uk/publications/research/public-choice-a-primer Downloadable for free, provides a short overview of the classical school of public choice.

Binmore, Kenneth G. 2007. Game Theory: A Very Short Introduction. A very math free description of game theory with simple explanations of the key concepts. Cheap version available on Kindle, and available online for checkout from ANU library.

Riker, William H. 1988.  Liberalism Against Populism. Covers many elements of the course regarding social choice theory, voting methods, strategic choice, and the impllications for democracy. Available on reserve at Chifley. 

Other readings for the course will be posted on Wattle, and other resources placed on reserve at Chifley.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course: written comments, with occasional feedback to the whole class. Verbal feedback is available through individual meeting. Solutions to assignments, practice problems and in-lecture exercises will be posted to Wattle. 

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

The information provided is a preliminary Class Outline. A finalised version will be available on Wattle and will be accessible after enrolling in this course. All updates, changes and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle site and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convenor.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction; Individual Rationality and Public Choice
2	Social Choice
3	Strategic Choice	Assignment 1
4	Spatial Models of Elections
5	Spatial Models of Committees
6	Cabinet Government and Coalitions	Assignment 2
7	Spatial Models of Institutions
8	Cooperation and Collective Action; Public Goods and the Commons	Paper
9	Bureaucracy and Courts
10	Electoral Systems I	Assignment 3
11	Electoral Systems II
12	Leadership and Legislatures	Assignment 4

Tutorial Registration

Registration for tutorial selected on Wattle

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assignment 1	5 %	15/03/2020	26/03/2020	1, 2, 3
Assignment 2	5 %	29/03/2020	19/04/2020	1, 2, 3
Paper	30 %	30/04/2020	29/05/2020	1, 2, 3
Assignment 3	5 %	14/05/2020	27/05/2020	1, 2, 3
Assignment 4	5 %	28/05/2020	07/06/2020	1, 2, 3
Final Exam	40 %	*	*	1, 2, 3
Lecture Participation	4 %	*	*	1, 2, 3
Tutorial Participation	6 %	*	*	1, 2, 3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is based on your involvement in class discussions. During the two-hour lecture, students are frequently separated into small groups to answer short discussion questions or to work together in solving problems. Exercises completed by the groups will be submitted during the period, with every member of the group receiving the same mark. More extensive group exercises and discussions occur during the tutorial session, and are also submitted during the period. The marks from participation will constitute 10% of the overall course mark: 4% from lecture exercises, and 6% from tutorial exercises.

Examination(s)

The final exam will consist of primarily problems, short answer and short essay questions. The exam will be a 24 hour take-home final through Wattle, scheduled by ANU timetabling. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations. A late submission on the final exam will result in a 0% mark.

Assessment Task 1

Assignment 1

The material for this class is best learned through practice, so there will be four regular assignments, where students will be required to solve problems and/or provide interpretations. Assignments are due on the due day specified on the schedule by 4pm.

Assessment Task 2

Assignment 2

The material for this class is best learned through practice, so there will be four regular assignments, where students will be required to solve problems and/or provide interpretations. Assignments are due on the due day specified on the schedule by 4pm.

Assessment Task 3

Paper

The research paper (1500-2000 words). Students must choose an essay topic from a list provided on Wattle, covering themes from the first half of the course (weeks 1-6). The paper is due Friday 30 April by 4pm. Don’t leave until the last second; once it ticks over to 16:01, it is one day late. The submission must include the essay number and title in the document title (if we cannot identify the topic from the title, it will be among the last papers marked).

Assessment Task 4

Assignment 3

The material for this class is best learned through practice, so there will be four regular assignments, where students will be required to solve problems and/or provide interpretations. Assignments are due on the due day specified on the schedule by 4pm.

Assessment Task 5

Assignment 4

The material for this class is best learned through practice, so there will be four regular assignments, where students will be required to solve problems and/or provide interpretations. Assignments are due on the due day specified on the schedule by 4pm.

Assessment Task 6

Final Exam

The final exam will consist of primarily problems, short answer and short essay questions.

Assessment Task 7

Lecture Participation

Participation is based on your involvement in class discussions. During the two-hour lecture, students are frequently separated into small groups to answer short discussion questions or to work together in solving problems. Exercises completed by the groups will be submitted during the period, with every member of the group receiving the same mark. The marks from participation will constitute 10% of the overall course mark: 4% from lecture exercises, and 6% from tutorial exercises. 

Assessment Task 8

Tutorial Participation

More extensive group exercises and discussions occur during the tutorial session, and are also submitted during the period. The marks from participation will constitute 10% of the overall course mark: 4% from lecture exercises, and 6% from tutorial exercises. Note, there will be 12 meetings for each tutorial session.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) as submission must be through Turnitin.

All assessments are submitted using the course Wattle site. Paper and assignments are due on the assigned due date at 4pm.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments, participation exercises, and the paper will be reported, with comments, on Wattle (online submission).

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments may not be resubmitted. 

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students