98005 Policy Evaluation: Local and International Approaches

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ((64 credit points of completed study in completed any Bachelor's Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in completed any Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in completed any Bachelor's Honours OR 64 credit points of completed study in completed any Bachelor's Honours Embedded OR 64 credit points of completed study in completed any Bachelor's Combined Honours) AND 98003 Research Methods for Social Sciences)

Description

Students in this subject develop knowledge, analytical and practical skills needed to engage critically with the policy-making processes in the context of crime and criminal justice. Enquiry-based approaches allow students to consider a number of different policy areas within the Criminology and Criminal Justice context and their interface with related policy contexts, both at a local and international level. Students develop their skills to facilitate and influence informed decision-making, applying theory and policy frameworks to real world debates, policies and practices.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a.	Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of a variety of policy evaluation frameworks and methodologies along with their application to policy contexts.
b.	Formulate clear research questions, select appropriate data collection methods, and apply statistical and qualitative analysis techniques to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of policies for policy evaluations.
c.	Critically assess policy outcomes by examining their intended and unintended consequences, identifying key performance indicators, evaluating policy implementation, and analysing the distributional effects of policies.
d.	Demonstrate strong communication skills to convey evaluation findings to a range of audiences.
e.	Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal dimensions, along with the frameworks, of policy evaluation.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and existing and emerging threats to justice, public safety and property (1.1)
Apply and evaluate methodologies, technologies and practices relevant to contemporary criminology for policy formulation, risk analysis and stakeholder cooperation (1.2)
Employ skills in critical analysis, problem solving, data literacy to analyse and respond to criminal justice and social policy challenges within organisations, communities and systems of governance (2.1)
Analyse crime as a global phenomenon and explain how different jurisdictions define and respond to current and emerging trends in crime (3.1)
Employ knowledge from and about local and international contexts to understand and respond appropriately to intercultural dimensions of crime and justice (3.2)
Examine the impact of historical and contemporary legal and criminal justice policies and practices upon Indigenous peoples and communities (4.1)
Develop professional capabilities and practices to work effectively with and for Indigenous peoples across the legal and criminal justice system (4.2)
Act with personal and ethical integrity and demonstrate social responsibility, demonstrating a critical understanding of the links between criminal law, criminal process, criminalization, poverty, disadvantage and justice (5.1)
Convey complex concepts clearly, logically and effectively in written and oral forms to a variety of audiences (6.1)
Communicate for high-level collaborative engagement and be competent in working in teams to address issues in crime (6.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

Learning opportunities in this subject utilise recorded lectures. Explanations are to be reviewed as preparation for interactive and practical weekly sessions where students discuss and analyse historical and contemporary issues.

Students are expected to complete all preparation activities – typically active watching of video resources, reading, and various online learning activities - prior to attending their face-to-face class session. Formative online activities (discussions, unmarked quizzes, polls) allow students to track their progress and improve their comprehension of the material and their study skills.

Throughout the subject, students develop a broad knowledge and skillset such as information finding and gathering, critical thinking and analysis, along with developing their written and oral communication skills that they will need as future practitioners in criminological careers. Assessments contribute to the development of these capabilities and deepen knowledge, analytical and practical skills related to the subject content.

An aim of this subject is to help students develop both academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace.

Content (topics)

This subject will be delivered under two themes – Theme 1 - Understanding Policy: Local & International Approaches and Theme 2 - Policy Evaluation: Criminology & Criminal Justice. As a consequence, theme 1 of the subject will provide insights into the policy making process and its significance, the policy cycle, policy formulation and analysis including the policy evaluation process. The subject will then enter the second theme and consider issues in criminology, criminal justice and related policy areas allowing students to examine the interface of policy areas, their implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Topics explored in the second theme of the subject include: Illicit drugs, Domestic & sexual violence, Animal Abuse and Managing offenders in the community.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Policy Writing: Developing Crime Policy

Intent:

Development of Crime Policy
Assessment 1 is designed to evaluate students' ability to analyse, develop, and present a comprehensive policy proposal. This assessment assesses students understanding of the policy development process, their analytical skills in identifying crime-related issues, and their capacity to propose effective policy solutions.

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d and e

Weight:

30%

Length:

1,250 words

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Clarity and relevance of policy identification and policy rationale	15	a	1.1
Specificity and alignment of policy goals and objectives	20	b	1.2
Depth and consideration of policy analysis	20	c, e	2.1, 3.1
Feasibility and stakeholder engagement proposed	15	c	3.2, 5.1
Clarity and engagement of presentation of policy	15	a	6.1
Organisation and content of policy	15	d	6.2

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Policy Reflection & Analysis: Closing the Gap and the Criminal Justice System

Intent:

Policy Reflection and Analysis The Closing the Gap framework is an Australian government strategy that aims to reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Student will evaluate the policy and practice that has been implemented to consider efficacy as well as reflect on the professions that are engaged in this work. Assessment 2 is split into two parts: Part A: Evaluate the Closing the Gap targets listed below relating to crime and justice: • Target 10 - Adults are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system; • Target 11 - Young people are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system; • Target 13 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and households are safe. Part B: How does this evaluation influence your future professional practice?

Objective(s):

a, b, c, d and e

Weight:

25%

Length:

1,000 words (excluding reference list; +/- 10% of word count)

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Depth and relevance of research and evidence.	20	a	6.1
Degree of insight into each policy with regards to the policy making process, formulation, cycle and implementation.	30	b, e	4.1, 4.2
Strength of policy reflection.	20	c	2.1, 3.2
Critical evaluation of policies and their impact.	30	d	1.2

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Policy Evaluation: Case Study

Intent:

Policy Evaluation
Assessment 3 is designed to assess students' ability to apply policy evaluation methodologies to a real-world policy issue. This assessment requires students to select a criminology or criminal justice issue covered in theme 2 of the subject, and conduct a comprehensive evaluation, presenting their findings and recommendations. The case study should demonstrate their proficiency in using appropriate evaluation frameworks and methods learnt across the subject.

Objective(s):

a, b, d and e

Weight:

45%

Length:

1,500 words (excluding reference list; +/- 10% of word count)

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Relevance and appropriateness of policy selection.	10	a	1.1
Clarity and specificity of policy problem and objective(s)	15	a	1.2
Justification and alignment of evaluation framework	25	d, e	3.1, 3.2
Rigor and relevance of analysis and evaluation	25	b	2.1
Effectiveness and actionability of policy evaluation and recommendations	25	b, d	6.1, 6.2

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Recommended texts

There is no key text for this subject. Each week a recommended reading will be advised through canvas.

References

Althaus, C., Ball, S., Bridgman, P., Davis, G., & Threlfall, D. (2022). The Australian policy handbook: A practical guide to the policymaking process. Taylor & Francis.

Bardach, E., & Patashnik, E. M. (2023). A practical guide for policy analysis: The eightfold path to more effective problem solving. CQ press.

Barton, A., & Johns, N. (2012). The policy making process in the criminal justice system. Routledge.

Birkland, T. A. (2019). An introduction to the policy process: Theories, concepts, and models of public policy making. Routledge.

Boaz, A., & Davies, H. (Eds.). (2019). What works now?: evidence-informed policy and practice. Policy Press.

Brancale, J., Blomberg, T. G., Siennick, S., Pesta, G. B., Swagar, N., Noorman, K., ... & Chouhy, C. (2021). Building collaborative evidence-based frameworks for criminal justice policy. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 32(8), 795-815.

Bulmer, M. I. (Ed.). (2021). Social science and social policy. Routledge.

Fischer, F., & Miller, G. J. (Eds.). (2017). Handbook of public policy analysis: theory, politics, and methods. Routledge.

Hudson, B., Hunter, D., & Peckham, S. (2019). Policy failure and the policy-implementation gap: can policy support programs help?. Policy design and practice, 2(1), 1-14.

Hill, M., & Varone, F. (2021). The public policy process. Routledge.

Knepper, P. (2007). Criminology and social policy. Sage Publications.

Knill, C., & Tosun, J. (2020). Public policy: A new introduction. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Vedung, E. (2017). Public policy and program evaluation. Routledge.

Weible, C. M. (Ed.). (2023). Theories of the policy process. Taylor & Francis.

Welsh, W.N., and Harris, P.W. (2016). Criminal Justice policy and practice: Planned change. 5th Edition. Routledge.

Weimer, D., & Vining, A. (2017). Policy analysis: Concepts and practice. Routledge.