Project Planning and Policy Advocacy | Arts and Science ONLINE

Project Planning & Policy Advocacy

Woman planning project
DEVS 361/3.0

This course connects theory with practice through in-depth, skills-based modules on project design, results-based management (RBM), and policy advocacy. Students will apply core concepts and best practices to effective proposal writing, project management, and policy advocacy.

Please note: This course is typically offered in the winter term

Please note: The course is focused on solely policy advocacy. For project planning, please see DEVS 210 (offerred on-campus only).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

  1. Identify the main policy actors and institutions responsible for policy advocacy in a Global Development context  

  1. Discuss strategies, techniques, and mindsets that can help social movements and other justice-oriented organizations contribute to better policy advocacy in Global Development  

  1. Consider the role of positionality and self-reflexive behaviour in advocacy networks and the role of marginalized communities in advocating change. 

  1. Evaluate the potential limitations of policy advocacy in shaping transformative economic justice in Global Development and assess where policy advocacy fits within a broader spectrum of transformative societal change 

  1. Situate approaches to contemporary policy advocacy within broader political and historical frameworks 

  1. Apply inquiry skills in exploring the existing body of historical and sociological research in policy advocacy and use academic and other genres of writing to develop and communicate new ideas to relevant audiences. 

Description

This course is designed to equip students with critical understanding of strategies, techniques and mindsets that can help social movements and other justice-oriented organizations contribute to better policy advocacy in Global Development.  This course connects theory with practice through four in-depth modules on policy advocacy in Global Development. Through independent historical and sociological research students will apply core concepts and best practices to develop new understandings about the challenges of designing a public campaign aimed at legal and policy changes toward the goal of global justice advocacy. 

Students will also assess where policy advocacy fits within a broader spectrum of transformative societal change. 

Note: This course no longer includes project planning. Students interested in project planning are encouraged to take DEVS 210 (Development in Practice) 

Topics at a Glance

Module 1 (weeks 1-3): Introduction to Policy Advocacy and Theoretical Frameworks
Module 2 (weeks 4-6): Advocacy Circles and Actors
Module 3 (weeks 7-9): Politics, Power, and Collective Advocacy
Module 4 (weeks 10-12): Bringing It All Together: Strategies and Limitations 
 

Terms

Fall 2022
Course Dates: 
Sept. 6 - Dec. 5, 2022
Exam Dates: 
Dec. 8 - Dec. 22, 2022

Evaluation

15% - Discussion Activities (x3)
60% - Short Paper (x3)
25% - Advocacy Study

*Evaluation Subject to Change*

Instructor

Dr. Scott Rutherford (ruthers@queensu.ca)

Textbooks and Materials

All assignment instructions, supplementary exercises, and links to online resources are available on onQ. 

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend, on average, about 10 hours per week completing relevant readings, assignments, and course activities.

Course Resources

About SOLUS

SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.

About OnQ

onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.

About Credit Units

Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.

Computer Requirements

To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.

System Requirements:

Computer Specifications

  • Windows 8.1 or newer
  • OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
  • Dual Core 2 GHz processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Soundcard
  • USB Headset
  • Webcam

Supported Browsers

  • Chrome (preferred - latest version)
  • Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
  • Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ

Internet Connection

  • Wired high speed access: Cable or better
  • Wifi is not recommended

Java

  • Latest version

Media Player

  • Flash (latest version)

Adobe Reader

  • Latest Version

Dates/Deadlines

The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.

Grading Scheme

The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.

Letter Grade Grade Point
A+4.30
A4.00
A-3.70
B+3.30
B3.00
B-2.70
C+2.30
C2.00
C-1.70
D+1.30
D1.00
D-0.70
F0.00

GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.

How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.

Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.

Campus Bookstore

All textbooks, if required, can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.

Non-Queen’s Students

All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.

Academic Integrity

Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.