• Class Number 1508
  • Term Code 3420
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 3 units
  • Topic Online
  • Mode of Delivery Online
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Ruth O'Connor
  • LECTURER
    • Ruth O'Connor
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 19/02/2024
  • Class End Date 24/03/2024
  • Census Date 01/03/2024
  • Last Date to Enrol 19/02/2024
SELT Survey Results

The benefits and challenges of developing policy informed by evidence have been widely discussed by scholars and are illustrated by the response of governments to the covid-19 pandemic. It is generally agreed that considering up to date evidence is important for robust policy, what is less clear is what constitutes evidence or knowledge and who can be considered an expert, especially as lines of ‘fact’ versus ‘opinion’ become increasingly blurred and calls for the democratisation of knowledge challenge conventional hierarchies.  Studies have shown that policy-makers rely, at least in part, on trusted knowledge sources who may be colleagues, academics or others with experience and content knowledge relevant to the issue at hand. These different sources of expertise, informal knowledge sharing pathways and social interactions are part of the knowledge systems in which policy-making is situated.

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in public policy-making and governance. Case studies will draw substantially on the  environment domain, where the concepts have largely developed, but will explore the implications for other domains. It will firstly explore knowledge systems as one conceptualisation that can be useful to policy-makers and how it has evolved from other deficit type conceptualisation. Another key component of the course is examining the variety of communication and knowledge co-production mechanisms by which knowledge is created and shared as potential ‘solutions’ to traditional knowledge-based hierarchies.. By exploring some of the better studied systems pertinent to the Australian public-policy domain such as academic Indigenous knowledge systems, students will be encouraged to think reflexively about the types of knowledge they can draw upon and the opportunities and barriers in doing so.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Identify the different elements of knowledge systems relevant to policy.
  2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of different mechanisms for knowledge generation and communication.
  3. Critique the factors that privilege particular epistemologies in specific policy contexts.
  4. Apply the knowledge system framework to describe and analyse policy development.

Research-Led Teaching

none

Field Trips

none

Additional Course Costs

none

Examination Material or equipment

none

Required Resources

none

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
  • verbal comments
  • feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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 Understanding knowledge systems
  1. Readings
  2. Pre-recorded lecture(s)
  3. On-line or in person workshop (discussion & activities)
  4. On-line or in person workshop (paired presentations)
1. In class 10min presentation identifying the elements of one knowledge system in a specific policy domain (paired activity).
2 Unit 2 Linking knowledge and policy
  1. Readings
  2. Pre-recorded lecture(s)
  3. On-line or in person workshop
2. Short essay describing and analysing the communication practices linking knowledge to a specific policy issue (1000 words).
3 Unit 3 Cases studies & applicationReadingsPre-recorded lecture(s)On-line or in person workshop 3. Populate a knowledge systems framework using a policy case provided and provide a 500 word critique on the use of evidence in the case. (1500 words)

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
In class 10 min presentation 20 % 26/02/2024 27/02/2024 1,3
Short essay 30 % 11/03/2024 22/03/2024 2
Complete and critique a knowledge system framework 50 % 28/03/2024 19/04/2024 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:

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 including facilitated feedback on in-class presentations in workshop 2. This participation will not be marked.

Examination(s)

No examination

Assessment Task 1

Value: 20 %
Due Date: 26/02/2024
Return of Assessment: 27/02/2024
Learning Outcomes: 1,3

In class 10 min presentation

In pairs students will identify the elements of one knowledge system in a specific policy domain. Value: 20% Presentation live to class/via zoom on Monday February 26, 2024.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 30 %
Due Date: 11/03/2024
Return of Assessment: 22/03/2024
Learning Outcomes: 2

Short essay

Short essay describing and analysing the communication practices linking knowledge to a specific policy issue (1000 words). Value: 30%, Due Monday, March 11, 2024.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 50 %
Due Date: 28/03/2024
Return of Assessment: 19/04/2024
Learning Outcomes: 2,3,4

Complete and critique a knowledge system framework

Populate a knowledge systems framework using a policy case provided and provide a 500 word critique on the use of evidence in the case. (total 1500 words). Value: 50%. Due Thursday, March 28, 2024.

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.

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).

Ruth O'Connor
ruth.oconnor@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Community engagement; Deliberative processes; Research impact conceptualisation and evaluation; Knowledge co-production in public policy contexts; Transdisciplinary research processes

Ruth O'Connor

Sunday By Appointment
Sunday
Ruth O'Connor
ruth.oconnor@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Ruth O'Connor

Sunday By Appointment
Sunday

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