Most of the world's population live in cities, where many of the world's big challenges combine, from climate change to inequality. To meet contemporary challenges, it is imperative that policy makers can measure the demographic and economic drivers behind urbanisation patterns as well as understand their social and environmental outcomes. It is equally imperative that policy makers have the skills to work collectively with communities, political leaders as well as for-profit and non-profit organisations to guide decision-making on complex urban problems in a way that builds resilient cities. This involves an integrated approach to examining urban problems and designing solutions that can weigh up economic development considerations with social policy priorities as well as environmental management needs.

This course is designed for those interested in complex urban problems and integrating policy making to build more resilient cities. It provides an overview of common problems faced in cities over time as part of urbanisation processes and utilises urban and governance theory to consider different interpretations of these problems. Students will also utilise different analytical techniques to study these multifaceted problems. Then, some contemporary solutions designed to resolve complex urban problems are examined, with a particular focus on governance approaches that integrate policy areas in cities, for example in programs relating to urban renewal and informal settlement upgrading to large-scale infrastructure planning and urban river basin management. In this regard, attention is given to the important collaborative, boundary spanning and inter-jurisdictional work required of public policy practitioners in working to address complex urban problems.

Students will be invited to imagine themselves in the situation of other actors in the urban policy making and governance process so as to understand and empathise with different perspectives in a way that seeks agreement without avoiding conflict nor striving for consensus.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain contemporary conceptions and principles of social justice and sustainability relevant to urban policymaking.
2. Identify and analyse complex problems and their expression across diverse urban contexts.
3. Identify stakeholders and collaborators relevant to urban policymaking as well as develop strategies for collaborative urban governance.
4. Design and appraise policy utilising qualitative and quantitative methods and principles of planning for equitable and sustainable cities.

Research-Led Teaching

None

Field Trips

None

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

Not relevant

Required Resources

None

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments and grades; and
• verbal feedback to whole class on general themes.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Unit 1. Applying urban theory - Making sense of urbanisation trends, problems & needs. Learning activities: Readings Pre-recorded lecture Online or in person workshop	2 minute presentation or film: Identify and explain an urban problem in your city evidenced during a recent crisis (e.g. COVID-19, natural disaster) (Individual)
2	Unit 2. Urban governance dynamics - Actors, institutions and decision-making in cities. Learning activities Readings Pre-recorded lecture Online or in person workshop	Problem paper: analyse an urban problem made more evident during a recent crisis (e.g. COVID-19, natural disaster). 1500 words
3	Unit 3. Urban policy practice - Analytical methods, policy design processes, collaboration and implementation	Assessment 3. Policy brief (group). 2000 words

Tutorial Registration

TBC, depending on student numbers.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
2 minute presentation or film: Identify and explain an urban problem in your city evidenced during a recent crisis (e.g. COVID-19, natural disaster)	20 %	09/03/2023	15/03/2023	Explain contemporary conceptions and principles of social justice and sustainability relevant to urban policymaking. Identify and analyse complex problems and their expression across diverse urban contexts.
Problem paper: analyse an urban problem made more evident during a recent crisis (e.g. COVID-19, natural disaster)	50 %	30/03/2023	06/04/2023	Explain contemporary conceptions and principles of social justice and sustainability relevant to urban policymaking. Identify and analyse complex problems and their expression across diverse urban contexts. Identify stakeholders and collaborators relevant to urban policymaking as well as develop strategies for collaborative urban governance. Design and appraise policy utilising qualitative and quantitative methods and principles of planning for equitable and sustainable cities.
Public policy brief	30 %	27/04/2023	18/05/2023	Explain contemporary conceptions and principles of social justice and sustainability relevant to urban policymaking. Identify and analyse complex problems and their expression across diverse urban contexts. Identify stakeholders and collaborators relevant to urban policymaking as well as develop strategies for collaborative urban governance. Design and appraise policy utilising qualitative and quantitative methods and principles of planning for equitable and sustainable cities.

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills 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

It is expected that students will listen to pre-recorded lectures and complete all required readings prior to attending class workshops. Students will be asked to individually explain concepts and discuss in groups. The concepts and methods discussed in the lectures will be applied during the workshops. For this reason, it is essential that students attend in person or online all three class workshops.

Examination(s)

No examination.

Assessment Task 1

2 minute presentation or film: Identify and explain an urban problem in your city evidenced during a recent crisis (e.g. COVID-19, natural disaster)

2 minute presentation or film, submitted in digital format.

No written requirements, though a short blurb for online publication can be written if desired.

20% of course grade.

Individual or group depending on location and local conditions (i.e. colocation with other students, pandemic restrictions)

Assessment Task 2

Problem paper: analyse an urban problem made more evident during a recent crisis (e.g. COVID-19, natural disaster)

Individual assessment

1500 words

50% of grade

The focus for this assessment is on problem analysis. The text must be supported by at least two graphics:

1. institutional and/or stakeholder map; and
2. Problem infographic (synthesise analysis).

The topic and context can be the same as the video if desired and should relate to course themes of sustainability and social justice.

Assessment Task 3

Public policy brief

Group assessment

2000 words

30% of grade

The focus for this assessment is on integrating problem analyses from Assessment 1 and 2 to provide a regional or global view of the problem through grouping students together. The text must be supported by at least one infographic, including one that sythesizes the common problem. Then, the group will outline solutions and examples about addressing the shared problem.

Students will be grouped together based on the themes they choose to focus on as part of Assessment 2.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Grades and feedback will be provided following the assessment rubrics.

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

It is not expected students will need to resubmit any assignments. This can be discussed on a case by case basis.

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 Access 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