This course explores how different publics engage in aspects of public policy.  Taught through six intensive interactive seminars, students consider diverse practices of participatory governance as well as the politics that community consultation and citizen engagement can generate. Seminars explore questions such as: What does meaningful citizen participation in public policy look like in an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media? How do citizens themselves seek to voice their concerns and exert influence on the policy process? What happens when their interests are mis-represented, misunderstood or ignored? 

Practical attempts at participatory policy making and citizen-led governance are examined and critiqued.?Through applied examples and case studies, students reflect on how democratic ideals, such as inclusion, participation, representation and legitimacy may be realised in contemporary governance. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas on citizen engagement and public talk in public policy.
2. Critically engage with relevant practical and theoretical literature on the design and politics of citizen engagement and public talk in public policy.
3. Engage and facilitate informed discussions on the practice, politics and challenges of engaging citizens in public policy.
4. Critically analyse participatory forms of policy making drawing connections between theory and practice.
5. Display the ability to think independently, develop informed perspectives and persuasively communicate in the field of public policy.

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws on over two decades of research by the Course Convenor (Professor Carolyn Hendriks) on the practice and politics of various forms of participation in contemporary governance. Examples and case studies from her research inform many aspects of the course. Research insights are also injected into the classroom through guest lectures.

Required Resources

Each day is accompanied by a set of compulsory readings and other online resources (such as videos, blogs, and websites) which will be available on the course website (Canvas). 

It is an expectation that students engage with the set materials before each class. 

Remember the more you read and engage in the materials provided on the course Canvas site, the more you will learn and get out of the course. 

Recommended Resources

See course Canvas website.

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments to individuals on Assessment items 1, 2 and 4.
• Written comments to groups on Assessment item 3 (Participatory Design Pitch)

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

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Day 1: Friday 20 February 2026Introduction and course overviewWe begin the course by exploring the question: who is 'the public' in public policy? Next we consider whether public participation in public policy is about assisting the development and implementation of state policies, or opposing them, or both? With this discussion in mind we map the various spaces where citizens participate in public policy for example: via advocacy, activism and social movements, via citizen-led problem-solving efforts, and via structured participatory forums.  Insisted spaces: activism, social movements and advocacy On Day 1 we will explore the form and function of insisted spaces in public policy. These are arenas created by groups, organisations and social movements to mobilize public support, build campaigns and to shape public policy outcomes. We consider a range of advocacy activities such as lobbying and campaigning, as well as more disruptive activities of protests and social movements. We also discuss how Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are changing the way citizens connect and relate to each other, and the opportunities (and risks) ICTs present to social movements, advocacy groups and associations.	Before class, please visit the course website (on Canvas) for details on readings and other activities to complete before class.
2	Day 2: Friday 27 February 2026Citizens' Governance Spaces On Day 2 we explore bottom-up or citizen-led grassroots efforts to solve collective problems, which we refer to in this course as citizens' governance spaces. These initiatives typically emerge when citizens are frustrated with market failure or government in action, and they see pathways for addressing a public problem. Citizens in citizens' governance spaces can exercise considerable agency in public policy by determining how they want to work with state and market actors. Through class discussions we will consider the opportunities and challenges these participatory spaces create for citizens, civil society, governments, public policy and democracy more broadly. Students will spend time in class discussing and selecting a citizens' governance spaces (or grassroots/community-based initiative) for their Case Study assessment task.	Before class, please visit the course website (on Canvas) for details on readings and other activities to complete before class.
3	Day 3 : Friday 6 March 2026Invited spaces: structured forms of public participation On Day 3, we look at spaces that are created (typically by governments, but occasionally civil society groups) to invite the public into the policy process. In invited spaces citizens are typically asked to engage in public policy via structured participatory processes, most often to advise decision makers. We consider the normative and instrumental reasons for inviting the public into the policy process, and start to explore some of the participatory methods for doing so. Through applied examples and case studies, we will reflect on how democratic ideals, such as inclusion, participation, representation and legitimacy are operationalised in different kinds of 'invited spaces' (we expand on this topic further in Days 4 and 5).	Before class, please visit the course website (on Canvas) for details on readings and other activities to complete before class.
4	Day 4 : Friday 13 March 2026There are three parts to Day 4: Part I: Student Case Study Presentations: students present their research and analysis of a specific of citizens' governance space (Assessment #2) Part II: On Participatory Design: In this session we will explore the principles and practical craft of how to design 'invited spaces'. Part III: Allocation of Design Group: students will also be allocated to a Design Group for their Participatory Design Pitch (Assessment task #3).	Before class, please visit the course website (on Canvas) for details on readings and other activities to complete before class.
5	Day 5 : Friday 20 March 2026Participatory Design WorkshopOn Day 5 we will collectively workshop frameworks and resources for designing effective participatory processes (invited spaces). We also consider some of the common questions and challenges facing participatory designers such as:•  Who is the target group and how will they be engaged?•  How will you avoid participatory fatigue and over-consultation?•  Who is likely to be excluded by the process?•  How will you ensure that public engagement is meaningful i.e. that decision makers listen? Students will also be given time on Day 5 to work in their Design Group to prepare their Design Pitch.	Before class, please visit the course website (on Canvas) for details on readings and other activities to complete before class.
6	Day 6: Friday 27 March 2026Design Pitches On Day 6 Design Groups will ‘pitch’ their participatory design to the class. Collectively we will discuss each design and explore strategies to strengthen each design. Following the pitches the class will reflect on their own personal experiences of participating and deliberating in small groups.Future Trends and Themes in Public Engagement In the final session of Day 6 we reflect on key themes across the course and discuss future trends in participation and contemporary governance.	On Day 6, students will present their group assessment task, the Participatory Design Pitch.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Reading Responses (3 x 5% = 15% individual mark)	15 %	*	*	1,2,4,5
Case Study Presentation and Paper (30% individual mark)	30 %	13/03/2026	24/03/2026	1,2,4,5
Participatory Design Pitch (25% group mark)	25 %	27/03/2026	02/04/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Reflective Paper (30% individual mark)	30 %	19/04/2026	26/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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 Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

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.

Assessment Task 1

Reading Responses (3 x 5% = 15% individual mark)

This assessment task requires you to prepare a short written response (during class) on Days 1, 2 and 3 to questions related to the compulsory readings. Questions will broadly relate to: the nature of the participatory space, different ways that the public can participate in the space, and the benefits and risks the space presents to citizens, governments and public policy. Questions will be provided to students in class and they will be given a set time in class to write their response.

Each response is valued at 5%. Approximately 300 words each (without references) = 900 words in total.

Feedback will be provided to students a week after each response has been submitted.

Assessment Criteria

•  Comprehension and focus on set questions (Learning Outcome 5)

•  Understanding of key concepts and ideas (Learning Outcome 1)

•  Critical engagement in course literature (Learning Outcome 2)

•  Demonstrated capacity to connect participatory concepts to practice (Learning Outcome 4)

•  Clarity of expression and argumentation (Learning Outcome 5)

 

The Crawford School of Public Policy's word limit and penalty guidelines apply to this assessment item. 

Assessment Task 2

Case Study Presentation and Paper (30% individual mark)

In this task students identify and research a suitable case study of a contemporary citizens' governance space (a topic we will explore on Day 2 of the course).

This assessment has two components:

i) Presentation (15%): deliver a short presentation to the class summarising key aspects of your case study (4 mins) followed by 4 min Q&A. Presentations will be held in class on Day 4. Students are required to submit their presentation slides and/or talking script to Canvas.

ii) Case Paper (15%): a 900 word paper (not including refs) in which you discuss how the analysis of your case study informs ideas and debates in the scholarly literature related to citizens' governance spaces.

Overall, this assessment task is designed to increase your skills in researching, analysing and communicating how citizens engage in public policy. More details and guidance on how to identify and research a case for this task will be provided to students in class on Day 2.

Assessment criteria

• Comprehension and focus on set task (Learning Outcome 5)
• Understanding of relevant concepts and ideas (Learning Outcome 1)
• Evidence of extensive (desktop) research (Learning Outcomes 2 and 5)
• Original analysis of the case (moving beyond description) (Learning Outcome 4)
• Connected to, and informing, relevant scholarly literature (Learning Outcome 2)
• Clarity of communication, structure, visuals and expression (Learning Outcome 5)
• Constructive engagement with class presentations and questions (Learning Outcomes 4 and 5)

 

The Crawford School of Public Policy's word limit and penalty guidelines apply to this assessment item. 

Assessment Task 3

Participatory Design Pitch (25% group mark)

Students will work together in small groups to develop a 'participatory design pitch' for a specific public problem/policy issue. Each group will play the role of a community engagement consultancy firm that has been asked to submit a participatory design for a specified client on a particular policy problem. Groups will be allocated in Day 4, and each group will each consider a different policy problem, with different clients. There will be time set aside on Day 5 for students to work in groups to develop their Participatory Design Pitch. 

This task requires you to:

• Consider the allocated scenario (each group will have a different scenario)
• Engage in the practical and theoretical literature on participatory design in order to develop a design for your allocated scenario
• Prepare and present a 10 minute presentation (on Day 6) in which the group ‘pitches’ its design to the class, followed by a 10 minute question and answer session (in which all students in the group must answer at least one question).

The Pitch needs to provide an overview of the design process and the proposed participatory design, and engage the class in discussion on the design. Further instructions will be provided in class on Days 4 and 5.

 Assessment criteria

• Understanding and focus on the set task (Learning Outcome 5)
• Demonstration of participatory design principles informed by relevant literature (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2)
• Evidence of inclusive and effective group work (Learning Outcome 3)
• Engaging the class in a discussion on the design (Learning Outcome 3)
• Effective and persuasive communication of participatory ideas and design (Learning Outcome 5)

Assessment Task 4

Reflective Paper (30% individual mark)

1800 words (not including refs)

This written paper should be written in first person, and personally reflect on the following:

1. Participatory design: what aspects of your design process worked well, and what could have been improved? How would you personally revise your group’s Participatory Design based on class discussions and ideas from other presentations and/or subsequent readings?
2. Overall reflection on participatory spaces: which type of participatory space (of the three types considered in this course) have you found the most interesting to learn about, and why?

 

 Assessment criteria

•      Focus on the set task (Learning Outcome 5)

•      Understanding of relevant concepts and ideas (Learning Outcome 1)

•      Evidence of reflection on course content, class presentations and class discussion (Learning Outcome 3)

•      Revision of original design concept drawing on feedback and relevant practical and scholarly literature (Learning Outcomes 2 and 4)

•      Critical reflection on the process and product of participatory design (Learning Outcome 4)

•      Clarity of organisational structure and expression (Learning Outcome 5)

The Crawford School of Public Policy's word limit and penalty guidelines apply to this assessment item. 

 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community 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 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 University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

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.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions 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.

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 all ANU students