Grounded in the discipline of public environmental policy, the course considers the complexities around public policy-making for the environment and sustainability. The course considers how policy is made and the institutional settings within which it is made, how problems and policies are framed, implemented and evaluated, and the inherent challenges in choosing appropriate policy instruments to meet an objective. The course focuses particularly on Australia’s public environmental policy and institutional settings. Comparisons with international case studies will be made. Interactive lectures and seminars provide students with opportunities to analyse specific environmental policy issues in theoretical frameworks and over different time scales. Once a general overview of how environmental policy is created we apply a structured analytical tool to assess whether existing environmental policies in Australia are adequate to meet the challenges of environmental management in a changing climate. Topics explored include water, forestry, biodiversity and climate policy, sustainability in business and industry, public and civil society participation in policy-making, and comparisons will be made with overseas environmental policy examples.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify and examine the basis of environmental policy and how it is developed and implemented in Australia, as well as in other relevant jurisdictions.
2. Describe and evaluate key environmental public policies, as well as information and tools to support them.
3.  Evaluate alternative choices of policy design and policy instruments in the context of major environment and sustainability issues, including in both Australian and international contexts.
4. Recognize and articulate the role of politics and the media in environmental policy development and evaluation.
5. Produce scholarly and industry works related in public and environment policy.
6. Participate in, and lead group learning processes and activities in the context of environmental policy.

Research-Led Teaching

This course in Environmental Policy and how policy processes shape decision-making and action related to the environment draws on the convenor’s, tutor’s and guest presenters’ recent research and real-life practice in supporting, influencing and being a part of environmental policy processes in Australia and other parts of the world. Many of the issues covered in the course thus reflect current academic debates and the messiness often inherent in environmental policy processes that must be managed as effectively as possible. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to a variety of real policy processes and policy-support methods and tools (i.e. analytics), past and current case studies, hypothetical situations, literature, group work and facilitation experience to enable them to develop their own knowledge and skills relevant to environmental policy.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

N/A

Recommended Resources

Students will use a range of sources during the course, including the course text, weekly readings, and further materials in researching their assessment tasks. In all cases, students will need to be critical thinkers – there are multiple schools of thought in public policy and policy analysis, and a critical stance is needed to navigate through the multiple theoretical, normative and applied approaches you will encounter. Students should not assume that the content of lectures, policy statements of government, or readings supplied are necessarily the best way to think about something – the course is designed to encourage students to construct their own learning and critical attitudes over the material they consider.

Course text: Dovers, S., Hussey, K. & Clement, S. 2024. Environment and sustainability: a policy handbook. 3rd edition. Sydney: Federation Press.

Each week readings will be available on the reading list and linked on Canvas, and form the basis for lectures, assessments, and workshops. If students don’t read them it will show and they risk not gaining much from the workshops and under-performing in their assessments. All of the assessments build on the concepts in the readings.

Further texts and articles will also need to be found as part of the assessment tasks as this course has a strong research focus. We expect to see evidence of your engagement with the policy literature. Articles on policy will often be found in sector-specific journals (e.g. Energy Policy, Climate Policy, Food Policy, Water Resources Research), as well as in general policy or environmental policy journals such as those below. Most articles can be downloaded when connected through a university computer. If you are using your own computer they can be searched for through the library website (ANU password required) or using a university VPN access.

Media Sources:

To assist with your Policy in the News assignment and for weekly Tutorial discussions, you may wish to consult a variety of media sources. Some include:

The Guardian Environment: https://www.theguardian.com/au/environment

ABC New, Environment: https://www.abc.net.au/news/environment/

International Consortium of Investigative Journalists https://www.icij.org/investigations/

Environmental Defenders Office: https://www.edo.org.au

Australian Conservation Foundation, news: https://www.acf.org.au/news

News.com.au: Environment: https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment

Sydney Morning Herald: Environment: https://www.smh.com.au/environment

Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment: News: https://environment.gov.au/news and on FB: https://www.facebook.com/awegov>

NSW Environment: Twitter: https://twitter.com/nswenviromedia

Land Care: Twitter: https://twitter.com/LandcareAust

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, 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 photo/scan for handwritten work

Staff Feedback

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

·        marks and written comments to individuals and/or groups on assessment items

·        discussion with individual students and small groups in workshops and drop-in sessions

·        discussion with the whole class in lecture times on general issues and assessment items

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

General:

An internet connected device (laptop, smartphone, tablet) is suggested for the lectures as online polling may be integrated into them at some stages. Further information will be provided to students on Canvas if this is to occur.

Delivery Mode

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops covering key theoretical and applied aspects. Each workshop brings together previous weeks readings and lecture content, to apply lessons learned to contemporary policy issues and build critical thinking skills. They are designed to help you complete the assessments as well as learn more deeply about the course content. On most weeks where there is not a workshop, there are either drop in sessions or additional content (e.g. podcasts, Q&As) that will need to be reviewed. All workshops and additional activities build on each other to help prepare students for the assessments.

Much of this course relies on learning-by-doing and reflecting critically on how theory can be applied in policy practice and policy-focused research. Thus, student participation at all sessions is important, and it is highly recommended that students attend lectures and workshops gain the most from the course and to support each other’s learning. Students are expected to come to workshops prepared for discussions and activities with sufficient pre-reading or real-life experiences, to allow effective exchange and development of ideas to occur. Because these are workshops, they will require more preparation for the students than traditional tutorials.

To enable this to occur, a workshop agenda is provided to students in the week prior to the workshop (via Canvas). Although there may be some unexpected or negotiated last-minute changes (yes, this is real life!), these agendas and the material on Canvas will enable you to prepare for each workshop.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	NOTE: Topics are indicative and subject to change based on guest lecturer availability. For the most up to date schedule, always refer to Canvas. Drop in sessions will be held regularly to help you with your assessments and will also be announced on Canvas and included in the detailed scheduleIn person Lecture: Introduction to course; introduction to environmental policy – what, why, who and how	Readings:always check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings
2	In person Lecture:Policy problems and problem framing Workshop (please check timetable for workshop schedule)	Readings:always check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings
3	Online Lecture (public holiday):Designing and implementing public policy	Readings:always check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings
4	In-Person Lecture & Discussions:Public participation, values, and democratic aspects of environmental policy Workshop	Readings:always check Canvas for required and recommended readings
5	In-person Lecture and discussions:Implementation, evaluation, and learning for more effective policy	Readings:Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings Assessment:Policy in the News and workshop assessment due
6	In Person Lecture: Urgent and Transformative? Policy commitments to conserve biodiversity	Readings: Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings
7	Teaching Break (6-10 April)
8	Teaching Break (13-17 April)
9	In person lecture Topic to be confirmed Climate policy or Nature-based solutions, transformation, and democracy in cities Workshop	Readings:always check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readingsWorkshop assessment
10	Online Lecture (public holiday)Science-based policy and wildfires	Readings: Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings Assessment:Policy Brief due
11	In Person Guest Lecture:Topic to be confirmed Workshop	Readings: Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings Workshop assessment
12	In Person Guest Lecture:Topic to be confirmed Workshop	Readings: Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings
13	Topic subject to confirmationIndigenous protected areas and traditional ecological knowledge in environmental governance Workshop	Readings: Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings
14	No lecture - Refer to Canvas for info about activities	Readings: Check reading list or Canvas for required and recommended readings Assessment: Policy Review Paper & workshop assessment

Tutorial Registration

Register via MyTimetable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Workshop assessments	20 %	1,2,3,4,6
Policy in the News Assessment	20 %	2,3,4
Policy brief	20 %	2, 3, 5
Policy Review Paper	40 %	1,3,4,5

* 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 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.

Assessment Task 1

Workshop assessments

Value: 20%

Each workshop has an associated worksheet and tasks completed during the workshop. Instructions for each of these worksheets and workshop activities are provided on Canvas and in the workshops, and students will hand these in at the end of the workshop or with one of the major assessments outlined below.

Assessment Criteria

• Please refer to the course Canvas site. Attendance at the workshops is mandatory. If you submit a workshop assessment but do not attend, you will be penalised. Further details will be provided to you on Canvas and in the lecture in Week 1.

Assessment Task 2

Policy in the News Assessment

Value: 20%

Environmental Policy in the News: Podcast Analysis Assignment

Overview

In this assignment, you will create a 10- to 15-minute podcast episode that critically analyses how a current environmental policy issue is being presented and discussed in the media. This assignment helps bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world policy discussions by having you engage deeply with current environmental debates through audio storytelling.

Objectives 

• Demonstrate understanding of course concepts by applying them to current environmental policy issues 
• Critically analyse how environmental policies and solutions are framed in public discourse 
• Develop skills in communication of complex policy issues

More information and resources 

• Workshop #1 will include activities to help you complete this assessment 
• A detailed assignment brief will be provided on Canvas, along with resources to help you complete your assignment 
• As this is a new assignment, no model will be available from previous semesters; however, you will be provided with examples of audio content that does a similar thing. 
• You will be provided with a rubric that will be used to mark your assignment in the materials posted to Canvas. 

Assessment Task 3

Policy brief

Value: 20%

Overview

This assessment task is designed to get you to better understand and thinking critically about a current and timely policy issue, and reflect on how the utility and accuracy of generative AI as a tool in understanding and communicating about environmental policy.

More information and resources

• Workshop #2 will include activities to help you complete this assessment
• A detailed assignment brief will be provided on Canvas, along with resources to help you complete your assignment
• You will be provided with examples from previous years to help you see what is expected
• You will be provided with a rubric that will be used to mark your assignment in the materials posted to Canvas

Assessment Task 4

Policy Review Paper

Value: 40%

Overview

For this assignment you will review an existing policy relating to an environmental or sustainability challenge.  

You are to select one policy from the list provided on Canvas. Your task is to systematically evaluate your chosen policy using an evaluation framework provided to you. 

Objectives

Policy review is critical for learning - reflecting on the design, implementation, and impact of a policy is a transferable skill that can be applied well beyond the policy realm. This assignment is designed to help you learn the following skills:

a)   How to search for, and critically evaluate, information relevant to a current environmental policy (National, state, regional, international)

b)   Undertake a literature review and explore examples of similar policy documents from other regions and consider preferable policy options

c)   Use the policy evaluation framework (provided during the course) to assess whether the existing policy provides a sound basis for the management of an existing sustainable development issue.

d)   Use critical analysis methods to review a policy, define deficiencies and successes

e)   Make sound recommendations for policy enhancement that a policy maker would find informative

More information and resources

• Workshops 3-5 will include activities to help you complete this assessment
• A detailed assignment brief will be provided on Canvas, along with resources to help you complete your assignment
• You will be provided with examples from previous years to help you see what is expected
• You will be provided with a rubric that will be used to mark your assignment in the materials posted to Canvas

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 permitted. 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

Assignments will be returned via Canvas in normal circumstances.

The return date will be indicated on Turnitin, and any changes to this will be communicated to the students.

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

Resubmission of assignments will only be considered in exceptional circumstances dues to causes beyond the student’s control.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students