With most of the world’s population now living in cities, urban areas are where many of today’s biggest challenges—from climate change to inequality—converge. To tackle these issues, policymakers need to understand the demographic and economic forces driving urbanisation and the resulting social and environmental impacts. Equally important is the ability to collaborate with communities, political leaders, and organisations across sectors to guide decision-making on complex urban issues in a way that builds resilient communities and cities. This requires integrated thinking when it comes to public policymaking in cities, balancing economic development with social policy priorities and environmental sustainability.

This course is tailored for individuals interested in building understanding about complex urban challenges and policymaking in cities that can foster equitable and sustainable development. It covers key urbanisation challenges in Australian and international cities, from Asia to Latin America. It draws on principles of equity and sustainability to explore different ways to analyse these issues. Students will engage with analytical techniques to study urban problems and commence exploring solutions, focusing on key stakeholders and scenario development. Topics include urban renewal, informal settlement upgrading, large-scale infrastructure planning, and river basin management, emphasising the boundary-spanning, engaged and collaborative work needed from policymakers to address multifaceted urban issues.

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. Examine trends in urban development, forecast future scenarios and identify key stakeholders relevant to urban policymaking.
4. Appraise policy utilising principles of planning for equitable and sustainable cities.

Research-Led Teaching

This course involves research-led teaching that integrates Dr Henderson's research on urban policymaking and governance relating to urban decline and revitalisation, including urban waterway regeneration. International case studies are drawn upon, such as the Medrano Stream in Buenos Aires, Agentina, as well as domestic case studies, including the revitalisation of Central Dandenong in Melbourne, Australia.

Field Trips

None

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

Not relevant

Required Resources

All required resources will be provided by the Course Convenor.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, 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;
• 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.

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	Applying urban theory - Making sense of urbanisation trends, problems & needs
2	Principles and logics for urban policy-making & governance. Learning activities
3	Urban policy practice - Analytical methods, policy design processes, collaboration and implementation.
4	Presentations and group learning exchange. Applying course learnings to offer peer exchange on Assessment	Assessment 1. 3 minute presentation or film: Identify and explain an urban problem (individual)

Tutorial Registration

TBC depending on student numbers.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
2-3-minute presentation or film: Identify and explain an urban problem in a specific Australian context	25 %	18/11/2026	20/11/2026	2
Urban problem analysis and policy brief	50 %	11/12/2026	29/01/2027	1,2,3,4
Reflective Practice Assessment	25 %	11/12/2026	29/01/2027	1,2,3,4

* 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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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 ‘Canvas’ 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 attend and actively participate in all teaching and learning activities, from completing the readings and reviewing the learning management system through to engaging in class discussions. Students will be asked to individually explain concepts and discuss them 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 four class seminars.

Examination(s)

No examination.

Assessment Task 1

2-3-minute presentation or film: Identify and explain an urban problem in a specific Australian context

2-3-minute presentation or film, submitted in digital format with a 250-word abstract (written).

This assessment task applies the principles and analytical frameworks explored in the course to examine an urban problem in a specific Australian context undergoing significant transformation with sustained policy attention across multiple levels and agencies of government, together with non-government stakeholders. The urban contexts for case selection include:

1. Dandenong (Central), Melbourne.
2. Footscray, Melbourne.
3. Gungahlin, Canberra.
4. Ipswich (Central), Queensland.
5. Newcastle, New South Wales.
6. Parramatta (including North Parramatta), Sydney.
7. Geelong (Central), Victoria.

Other centres may be added to this list.

25% of course grade (individual assessment)

Rubric

TBD

Assessment Task 2

Urban problem analysis and policy brief

This assessment involves a two-part paper. Students are encouraged to choose the same topic agreed for Assessment 1 and deepen the problem analysis based on course learning and feedback from Assessment 1. They will also develop a section with next steps and recommendations for policy action.

The text must be supported by at least two graphics (e.g. institutional and/or stakeholder map; Problem infographic)

Individual assessment

50% of grade

1500 words. The Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Policy applies to this assessment item.

Rubric

TBD

Assessment Task 3

Reflective Practice Assessment

This assessment provides an opportunity to critically reflect on learning from the course and the process of completing the final assessment: Urban Problem Analysis and Public Policy Brief. Drawing on course concepts, readings, lectures, policy analysis tools, seminars and assessment activities, students are expected to critically reflect on how their understanding of urban problems evolved over the semester and how their participation in the course supported their learning. The purpose of this assessment is not to summarise course content, but to demonstrate critical reflection on individual learning journeys, including the development of analytical skills and abilities to connect theory to policy analysis and practice in specific urban contexts.

25% of grade.

800 words. The Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Policy applies to this assessment item.

Rubric

TBD

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

NO

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Grades and feedback will be provided.

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 all ANU students