Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Politics, Philosophy, Economics 2: Foundations of Policy Problems (PPES2101)

Study period
Sem 2 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Politic Sc & Internat Studies

This course will contain several modules focusing on an integrated PPE approach towards addressing some of the world's 'wicked problems'. The course will be taught in lecture-seminar mode, using a range of policy documents and online materials. The modules will be taught by leading academics from across UQ schools and institutes, assisted by eminent international experts where appropriate as a means of facilitating their engagement with UQ teaching and learning.

This course considers how an integrated PPE approach can be applied to understand and address some of the world's intractable or 'wicked' problems.

The course aims to introduce students to the nature of contemporary policy analysis, debates about issues and solutions, and the interaction between economic, ethical and political values.

The courseᅠpresumes that there is likely to be disagreement among citizens and stakeholders about the way in which policy problems are perceived.

In fact, there is seldom a consensus about the nature and significance of a majorᅠpolicy problem, and the measures necessary to improve the situation.

The political system, along with markets andᅠthe legal system, provide avenues and opportunities for testing and settling many policy issues.

Ongoing policy challenges canᅠre-emerge in new ways, for example, in response to crises or changing circumstances.

During this course, students will consider a wide range of examples illustrating how and why there is diversity in the understanding of important problems - like poverty, sustainable development, immigration and national identity, climate change responses, criminal offending, human rights, disruptive technologies, and so on. The intention is to cover issues of interest to students of economics, philosophy and political science in an integrated way.ᅠ

Students will develop capacities to appreciate the nature of the arguments used in policy analysis and debate, including the role of expertise and science alongside the role of values and ideologies.

Students will have opportunities to develop their skills in critical analysis, by closely examining some examples of policy or regulation.ᅠ ᅠ

Where possible, eminent scholars from across UQ and beyond may assist as visiting experts from time to time.ᅠ

Course requirements

Assumed background

Core course for second year of the PPE program.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

Minimum 16 units from the BPPE(Hons) list

Restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the BPPE(Hons)

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

The course comprises weekly lecture-seminar classes.

Aims and outcomes

The course aims to introduce students to the nature of contemporary policy analysis and debate.

'Policy analysis' is here understood as inherently inter-disciplinary, combining knowledge of economic, social, technological, environmental and political processes.

The courseᅠapproaches policy analysisᅠthrough three strands:ᅠᅠ

  • understanding the basis for the diverse understandings of modern policy problems;
  • developing a capacity to analyse how public policies are debated and decidedᅠin relation toᅠmajor social, economic and environmental issues;
  • developing a capacity to analyse and evaluate selected policy problems and solutions.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain the basis for diverse perspectives on social, economic and environmental problems.

LO2.

Analyse how public policy decisions are made on important complex issues.

LO3.

Critically analyse and evaluate selected policy problems and solutions and suggest evidence-informed improvements.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique Analysis of policy problem framing (800 words)
  • Online
20%

22/08/2025 5:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Analysis of a policy "solution" (800 words)
  • Online
20%

19/09/2025 5:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Research Essay (3500 words)
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
50%

31/10/2025 5:00 pm

Participation/ Student contribution Class participation and discussion
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
10%

28/07/2025 - 27/10/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Analysis of policy problem framing (800 words)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
20%
Due date

22/08/2025 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01

Task description

TASK: Select a specific policy “problem” and demonstrate how it has been 'framed', interpreted or constructed

(You may focus on a substantial policy document, or policy proposal, or a wider policy debate. Please relate your analysis to the conceptual literature on problem/policy framing [such as Carol Bacchi (2009) or BG Peters article (2005)].

Remember: this is not an exercise in 'solving' the problem - it is an exercise in delineating how a problem has been characterised, and whether these interpretations reveal a narrow or comprehensive understanding of the problem. 

Example: Imagine that there has been a policy debate about whether ONLINE BETTING is a problem and whether it therefore should be tolerated, encouraged, regulated or banned.

Your task would be to 'unpack' how a government policy assumes a particular view of the problem; or how different groups might interpret the policy problem from different perspectives.

Some might regard all betting as morally offensive and as exploitation of vulnerable people. Others might regard betting as a personal choice and consistent with personal freedom and responsibility, and thus not a 'problem' requiring regulation. Some might regard the advertising of betting opportunities as inappropriate for children. Others might argue that online betting is deeply problematic because it is controlled by international corporations. These (and other) positions tend to be linked to different attitudes towards this powerful and growing industry. Some may want to ban specific forms of betting and advertising; others may want to protect children; some may focus on protecting gambling addicts and vulnerable families. Others might take a 'laissez-faire' attitude and regard it as a normal investment opportunity in a market society or as a harmless recreation activity. 

This assessment task is to be completed individually by each student. Clarification of the task, including relevant literature and suitable policy examples, will be conducted in-class.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submission:

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

Analysis of a policy "solution" (800 words)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
20%
Due date

19/09/2025 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

TASK: Select a policy solution [or framework for solving a problem] and analyse this solution in terms of whether it has been a success or failure or a mixed result.

Please relate your answer to the literature on criteria for assessing success and failure, such as the various writings of Alan McConnell and/or the work of Leutjens and t'Hart.

Example: Select a policy example where the government has been actively pursuing a particular "policy solution" for some time (perhaps in conjunction with other partners).

There are many examples that could be selected, ranging from PPPs in transport infrastructure, to offshore immigration control, to renewable energy, to pandemic response, etc.

The underlying challenge is to think analytically about assessing the extent of success or failure. What would be some useful criteria? - for example, some criteria would be political (e.g. electoral popularity and community support). Other criteria would relate to the competence and reliability of the program itself (e.g. administrative efficiency, collaborative capacity). And other criteria might focus on actual outcomes or benefits (e.g. were services improved, were the promised results delivered?). It is likely you will need to use several criteria. And what if the results are mixed or 'grey'? Having decided on some criteria, apply them to a brief analysis of the chosen 'policy solution'. 

This assessment task is to be completed individually by each student. Clarification of the task, including relevant literature and suitable policy examples, will be conducted in-class.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submission:

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

Research Essay (3500 words)

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
50%
Due date

31/10/2025 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The topic for the Research Essay is as follows:

"Can complex policy problems be tackled effectively? Discuss in relation to a selected problem-area." [Students may negotiate small variations on the above stated topic where necessary.] 

Many examples of wicked and complex policy issues are discussed throughout the course. You should select a policy issue that is complex, contested, and also 'researchable'.

Your choice of a suitable policy example must be discussed, documented and approved. The course convenor will also speak individually with each student about plans for analysing the selected policy problem-area, including your overall argument, and your choice of key references in the relevant conceptual and empirical literature. This is required both to verify your personal responsibility for planning and writing, and also for ensuring you produce a very good essay by productively linking your essay arguments to the policy literature and the case examples you use.

Importantly, you must first submit a two-page Essay Plan by email to the course convenor [brian.head@uq.edu.au] by the end of Week 10 (Friday 10th October).

This is a mandatory identity-verified pass/fail hurdle. The Essay Plan will cover the proposed topic of the essay, your overall argument, justification for your key references, and your essay structure. In other words, you will outline how you propose to tackle the conceptual and empirical research challenges. This short Plan (2 pages) must be discussed and documented with the course convenor. You will receive immediate feedback, enabling you to finalise your approach for writing the Research Essay. If you do not submit and pass this mandatory hurdle (the Essay Plan), your Research Essay will not be assessed.

In regard to the Research Essay itself, the usual requirements apply. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Your Essay Plan must be submitted to the course convenor by Friday 10 October. It must be discussed with and approved by the convenor. As described above, this Essay Plan is an identity-verified pass/fail hurdle, which must be completed as a precursor to submission of the Research Essay.

Submission guidelines

Submission:

Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

Class participation and discussion

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
10%
Due date

28/07/2025 - 27/10/2025

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

Students are expected to participate in group discussions during the classes.

Group discussions will focus both on core concepts/frameworks and their application to real-world problems and policies.

Assessment tasks will also be unpacked and workshopped in class.

10 marks are available for active participation, based on active attendance in at least 10 of the 12 seminars.

Students with a reasonable excuse for non-attendance may request a substitute activity, such as providing a brief commentary on a course reading.

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: None of the above criteria will have been met. This student will not have addressed the question, shown no or very little evidence of reading and minimal comprehension of the issues at hand.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student addresses the assessment tasks poorly and shows very little evidence of reading.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: The student has made an effort across assessments but falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student makes a reasonable effort and produces a coherent body of work, relevant to the disciplinary field including evidence of reading and independent thought communicated relatively clearly.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: This grade reflects a student that has got the basics right across the assessment criteria. They will have an adequate level of knowledge of the course content, the ability to read and communicate readings and some critical analytical skills. They will also have the capacity to develop arguments but this will remain limited.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Students in this category will be good performers across the marking criteria. They will have the ability to think and work independently and to produce work which contains arguments, critical analysis and well researched evidence.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A student in this category will have shown an impressive performance across all the marking criteria. They will have the ability to produce original work which reflects a sophisticated degree of critical thinking and novel argumentation. They will have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Additional course grading information

Grades will be awarded on the following basis:

  1. Failᅠ 1 - 19%

2. Failᅠ 20 - 44%

3. Failᅠ 45 - 49%

4. Passᅠ 50 - 64 %

5. Creditᅠ 65 - 74 %

6. Distinctionᅠ 75 - 84 %

7. High Distinctionᅠ 85 - 100 %

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Word Length Penalty

Unless otherwise indicated, in the case of written submissions with a specified word count, you are given a +10% leeway on the upper word limit. If your written submission is over this leeway limit, it will attract a 10 percentage point penalty. For example, if your essay is 1,500 words, you may write up to 1,650 before attracting a word count penalty. If your essay exceeds the upper word limit, it will attract a 10% word count penalty. Therefore, if your essay is worth 40 marks, you will lose 4 marks from your allotted grade. Unless specified, penalties only apply to exceeding the word length, not for failure to write a sufficient amount.

Students should note:

• The Author-date in-text referencing system will count toward the word length;

• References in the Footnote referencing system will not count toward the word length. If you are using footnotes, any content included in footnotes beyond the specific text reference will count towards the word length.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

The weekly Topic folders in Blackboard provide more detailed reading suggestions, along with the lecture materials.

Essay Guide

The School of Political Science and International Studies Essay Guide can be downloaded from the School’s Student Support webpage.

The Guide sets out guidelines you should follow in preparing written assignments. 

Essay Writing Assistance

The School of Political Science and International Studies schedules regular “drop-in” sessions designed to provide one-on-one advice and assistance in essay planning and writing.

There is no need to make an appointment and you are encouraged to bring your essay with you.

The day and time of these sessions will be finalized at the beginning of each semester and published on the Student Support webpage.

Student Services

Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills and thus your academic performance in this course.

Library Resources

UQ Library offers training in software, assignment writing, research skills, and publishing and research management.

The University’s library holdings for Political Science and International Studies are primarily located in the Central Library.

There is a help desk in the Library. Students are also welcome to contact the BEL/HASS Librarians for assistance.

Email: librarians@library.uq.edu.au

Book a Librarian Appointment (BEL/HASS faculties)

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(28 Jul - 03 Aug)

Seminar

TOPIC 1

Introduction to the course themes. We explore how to understand the basis for the diverse understandings of modern policy problems; how to use frameworks to understand how public policy is made on major social, economic and environmental issues; and how to develop criteria and methods to analyse and evaluate selected major policy problems and solutions. Differences between simple and complex problems are noted. Students' own main areas of interest are documented.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 2

(04 Aug - 10 Aug)

Seminar

TOPIC 2

Thinking about policy "problems" part 1: We explore how policy "problems" are defined and understood by various policy actors -- stakeholders, citizens, parties, think tanks, the media, and government leaders. Differences between democratic and authoritarian regimes are noted. Arguments are presented for why the understanding and scoping of "problems" is fundamental.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 3

(11 Aug - 17 Aug)

Seminar

TOPIC 3

Thinking about policy "problems" part 2: We explore several examples of policy problems, both simple and complex. We explore Bacchi's concept of "problematisation" of issues and solutions. We explore how the "framing" of a problem in a specific way affects the perceived range of appropriate solutions. For example, we explore the nature and causes of poverty. These concepts are fundamental for your first assignment.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 4

(18 Aug - 24 Aug)

Seminar

TOPIC 4

Thinking about policy "problems" part 3: We explore further examples of policy problems and focus on how various forms of evidence are drawn upon to help define the issues. We examine how disruptive technologies may change the policy landscape and generate different interpretations of the "problem" to be addressed.

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 5

(25 Aug - 31 Aug)

Seminar

TOPIC 5

Thinking about policy "solutions" part I: We explore how "solutions" are linked to problem definitions and pre-conceptions. We explore the main approaches to policy solutions, including market incentives through to preventative social programs. Several examples are discussed, drawing attention to their economic political and ethical considerations.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 6

(01 Sep - 07 Sep)

Seminar

TOPIC 6

Thinking about policy "solutions" part 2: The main tools and instruments of policy intervention are considered, such as legal penalties, regulatory standards, prices and taxes, industry codes of practice, social norms, moral incentives, and education. Applications to different problem areas are considered.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 7

(08 Sep - 14 Sep)

Seminar

TOPIC 7

Thinking about policy "solutions" part 3: We explore frameworks for assessing success or failure in policy programs. We distinguish between political criteria, managerial criteria, and outcomes criteria. We distinguish between policy design failures and policy implementation failures. We consider several applied examples.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 8

(15 Sep - 21 Sep)

Seminar

TOPIC 8

Thinking about policy "solutions" part 4: We explore further applied examples focused on recent attempted solutions for complex and controversial policy problems. We consider the links between policy solutions and using "best available evidence".

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 9

(22 Sep - 28 Sep)

Seminar

TOPIC 9

"Wicked and complex" policy problems and possible solutions, part 1: We explore the theory and practice of using a "complexity" lens to understand and respond to contested and "wicked" problems. Examples may include drugs policy and incarceration policy.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Mid Sem break

(29 Sep - 05 Oct)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

No class - MID-SEMESTER BREAK - 29 September to 3 October 2025

Week 10

(06 Oct - 12 Oct)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

PUBLIC HOLIDAY (King's Birthday) Monday 6th October 2025

No replacement class scheduled this week.

Students are encouraged to ensure they complete their Essay Plan by Friday 10th October.

This 2-page Essay Plan is a mandatory pass/fail hurdle, which must be passed prior to submission of the Research Essay.

Week 11

(13 Oct - 19 Oct)

Seminar

TOPIC 10

"Wicked and complex" policy problems and possible solutions, part 2: We explore further cases of wicked problems in economic, social and environmental fields.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 12

(20 Oct - 26 Oct)

Seminar

TOPIC 11

"Wicked and complex" policy problems and possible solutions, part 3: We explore further cases of wicked problems, including climate change responses and energy policy dilemmas.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 13

(27 Oct - 02 Nov)

Seminar

TOPIC 12

Complex policy problems and solutions, part 4, and course summary. What are the social and moral dilemmas in seeking to resolve wicked problems? Reflections on whether wicked problems can be overcome, and the challenges raised for integrating economic, political and philosophical aspects of complex policy problems. What would it take for designing and implementing effective and legitimate solutions?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.