This course asks the question, what is the role of public policy in an environment of global (in)securities and strategy? This is an important question as the challenges posed by the current environment are arguably beyond the scope of traditional public policy responses. To address this question, we will explore the emergence of ‘global public policy’, identifying its core features, actors and institutions, how it differentiates itself from (non global) public policy and consider its potential and limitations. Regardless of how we define the ‘public policy problem’, once defined the imperative is to try to address it. This takes us into an examination of strategy; what is it, why is it important, and what evidence do we have that of what ‘works’? We will explore a range of approaches to and critiques of strategy in theory and practice. We will have access to expert assessments of cases from the past, present, and likely future to help refine our understanding and build our capability to design and execute strategy appropriately and effectively (hopefully). Our focus will be global but with an accent on our region. In sum this course aims to achieve the following purposes:
- To examine the interactions between global challenges and securities and determine the public policy implications.
- To develop a critical appreciation of the role of strategy in public policy.
- To build the capability to design and execute strategy successfully
Note this course is offered in online asynchronous mode only.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Develop a nuanced understanding of the range of public policy problems and issues that have global scale, reach and impacts
- Demonstrate knowledge of key conceptual frameworks used to understand and interpret global public policy problems
- Critically appraise and apply policy analytical approaches and scenario-based policy forecasting methods for evaluating and extrapolating evidence
- Analyse global policy problems from multiple perspectives and develop evidence-based policy and/or institutional solutions
- Clearly articulate and persuasively convey policy analysis and solutions using written, visual and verbal communication strategies
Other Information
Nil
Indicative Assessment
- Solo Video #1 - 5mins (10) [LO 1,2,4]
- Personal Reflection 500 words (10) [LO 3,4,5]
- Research Essay 1000 words (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Stakeholder briefing - 400 words (15) [LO 3,4,5]
- Solo video #2 - 5 mins (15) [LO 1,2,4]
- Summative video response (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course. Participants will be provided with all required materials via the course LMS website.
Preliminary Reading
Beth Simone Noveck (2021) Solving Public Problems: A Practical Guide to Fix Our Government and Change Our World, Yale University Press.
Preliminary readings will also cover key methodologies in foresight and futures thinking. Additional materials will focus on the specific policy challenges.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4920 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5432 | 15 Jun 2026 | 15 Jun 2026 | 26 Jun 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | Online | N/A |