IS40960 Digital Policy II

Academic Year 2022/2023

How can public policy adapt to our rapidly changing digital and technological worlds? Following the policy development process examined in Digital Policy I, this module will provide practice standards tailored for addressing emergent issues presented by technological innovation. It will introduce methods for developing public policy that are democratically engaged, transparently developed, legally accountable, human rights proofed, and clearly communicated.

With special attention to the fundamental digital policy issues and topics outlined in Digital Policy I, students will be provide opportunities to practice key public policy methods including research and analysis; options preparation and briefing drafting; and oral advocacy and strategic communications.

Students will gain practical understanding of public policy processes and gain specific skills including researching, assessing, developing, drafting, delivering and defending public policy options.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate ability to critically research and synthesise literature for digital policy development processes.
2. Demonstrate ability to draft digital policy briefs that take into consideration technical, legal and human rights considerations.
3. Demonstrate ability to communicate strategically about digital policy options to parliamentary bodies and the public.

Indicative Module Content:

Key public policy methods for emergent tech will be considered on topical case studies which in the past have included AI, platforms and social networks, intellectual property, tech labourers, digital money, etc. The focus will be to guide students in policy research and analysis; policy options preparation and briefing drafting; oral advocacy and strategic public communications.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

176
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
In-class discussion and presentations
Critical reading and writing
Desk research
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Student must have completed Digital Policy I or show equivalent knowledge/experience after consultation with Programme Director.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Project: Digital Policy brief setting out options for parliamentary consideration
 Unspecified n/a Graded Yes

40
Essay: Literature review on select issue. Unspecified n/a Graded Yes

30
Project: Digital Policy brief presentation advocating specific option with slide presentation
 Unspecified n/a Graded Yes

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

All assessment will be provided online in Brightspace.