HEALTH POLICY ANALYSIS
PHE5HPA
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students learn about policy analysis. A problem-oriented approach is used to identify the nature of the problem, see how the problem is articulated and solutions examined. Students are given the opportunity to explore, within the health field, political institutions, operation and function of government in regulating and funding the health system, and development and implementation of public and other policies. Consideration will be given to political theories and to understanding linkages between political structures and social and economic development. The analytical approach includes power, authority and influence, various theories which seek to explain the exercise of power in policy, and language and societal values. The process of implementation receives special attention. Case studies from domestic and international areas of health policy are presented to illustrate some of the enduring issues of policy analysis as well as exploring specific policy areas.
SchoolSchool of Psychology & Public Health
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAlison Hughes
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites None
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHE5HPI
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Offered subject to sufficient enrolment numbers.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | A selection of required texts will be made available through the Reading Lists system of the University Library | Recommended | . | . |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Demonstrate capabilities in problem-oriented analysis in which policy problems are defined and solutions explored
- Activities:
- A major policy analysis assignment on a policy of the student's choosing
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Identify different motives for, and interests in, the task of policy analysis
- Activities:
- Lecture, prescribed reading
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Conceptualize the policy process using appropriate models and theories and apply these to analytical tasks
- Activities:
- Lectures, prescribed reading, minor and najor assignments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Critically explore the tensions between competing rationalities in the policy process
- Activities:
- Lectures, prescribed reading, minor assignment
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Identify conflicting structural interests in health policy
- Activities:
- Lectures, prescribed reading
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
06. Critically examine determinants of policy, including international inputs
- Activities:
- Lectures, class discussions, prescribed reading
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
07. Assess the role of ideologies, values and discourses in shaping health policy
- Activities:
- Lectures, class exercises, discussions, assignments
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
08. Critically examine the nature, forms and theories for explaining the dynamics of power in the policy process
- Activities:
- Lectures, class exercises, prescribed reading
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
09. Explore theoretical principles of policy implementation
- Activities:
- Lectures, prescribed reading
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Online, 2016, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAlison Hughes
Class requirements
Scheduled Online Class
One 39.0 hours scheduled online class per study period and delivered via online.
"Online content equivalent to 39 hours of face-to-face teaching."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1,500-word minor assignment | A set topic exploring tensions in the rationalities underpinning health policy | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 |
| One 3,000-word major assignment | An analysis of a problem in health policy chosen by the student | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 |