This course aims to provide an advanced understanding of public policy and institutional analysis in domain of environment and sustainability. Through lectures, class discussion, set readings and student research, the course covers the topics of:

• Introduction to policy analysis:
• Evolution of public policy and cognate disciplines
• Main theoretical and methodological traditions
• Current trends in public policy; policy and institutional systems
• Environment and sustainability issues recast as policy and institutional problems.
• The policy cycle: main elements of public policy making (problem framing, policy framing, instrument choice, implementation, monitoring and evaluation).
• Institutional settings of policy and the nature of institutional change.
• Case studies of current policy issues and processes.

There is also a student-selected (lecturer-approved) research project on a current policy problem (theoretical, methodological or applied).

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain the scope, traditions and purpose of policy and institutional analysis, with a view to understanding and engaging with public policy processes and debates in a professional or research context
2. engage with policy and institutional analysis across the broad domain of resource and environmental management and sustainable development
3. focus on acquiring more detailed knowledge and skills in a specific subject area of specific interest
4. communicate policy analysis and policy guidance in ways appropriate to different audiences

Assessment will be based on:

• 500-word research proposal, either briefing note proposing work in a policy agency, or initial scoping of applied policy research proposal for a funding agency (10%;  LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Seminar presentation (preliminary research findings), presented as either scoping report of case for continued agency support or milestone reporting for funded research project (15%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• 4000-5000 word essay (policy and institutional description/analysis/prescription), written as either well-referenced in-house agency report or applied research publication (65%; LO 3, 4)
• Level of engaged participation, demonstrated by attendance, discussant roles and evidence of reading (10%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Two intensive blocks of 2-3 days each, one month apart. In addition to the class contact time, students will devote substantial time to preparatory reading prior to each block, and to the research and writing of the major essay.

Requires approval of convenor (Stephen.Dovers@anu.edu.au).

Dovers, S. 2005. Environment and sustainability policy: creation, implementation, evaluation. Sydney: The Federation Press.

Howlett, M. and Ramesh, M. 2003. Studying public policy: policy cycles and policy subsystems. 2nd edition. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

Bridgman, P. and Davis, G. 2004. The Australian policy handbook. 3rd edition. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.