Enhancing Critical Analysis Skills: Policy Review in PG420 International and Regional Security

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In our PG420 International and Regional Security unit, students undertake a policy review assessment designed to enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills. For Assessment Task 1, students are required to individually select from specific national policies and provide a detailed critical evaluation. The policies provided span vital security areas, including cybersecurity, ocean management, climate development, population management, food security, and national defense.

Screenshot of the instructions for the assessment task in the learning guide on Moodle.

The task is structured into two main reviews spread across weeks 6 and 11. The first set of policy options includes the National Cyber Security Policy, National Oceans Policy, and the National Climate Compatible Development Management Policy. The second set encompasses the National Population Policy, National Food Security Policy, and the Defence White Paper. Each student selects one policy per review to critically analyze.

To guide students, a structured format adapted from UNSW guidelines is employed, beginning with an introduction where the chosen policy is briefly introduced, and the reviewer indicates whether their overall evaluation will be positive, negative, or mixed. This initial stage sets the tone for the analysis and helps readers anticipate the critical stance of the reviewer.

Following the introduction, students summarize the key elements of the selected policy, providing specific examples to illustrate its primary objectives and approaches. This step ensures that students fully engage with the content of the policy, understanding not just its stated goals but the practical measures proposed to achieve those objectives.

The critique section is central to the assessment, requiring students to rigorously evaluate the policy’s strengths, weaknesses, and notable features. This analysis must be supported by credible academic and policy literature. Students are also encouraged to propose practical recommendations to enhance the policy, considering contemporary national, regional, and international security challenges.

The conclusion is concise, reiterating the student's overall assessment and briefly summarizing key recommendations. Students must also meticulously use APA referencing, ensuring academic integrity, credibility, and proper acknowledgment of sources. This emphasis on referencing not only supports academic rigor but also develops skills essential for professional writing.

Students publish their critical reviews on group blogs created through platforms such as WordPress or Blogger, which enhances their online communication skills and provides real-world experience in web publishing. To facilitate broader engagement and feedback, students share their blog URLs in the PNG Foreign Policy Community Facebook group, opening their analyses to constructive critique from peers and experts alike.

Engaging with reader feedback is another crucial component, helping students refine their communication and interpersonal skills. Given that the audience may include future employers, this interactive component underscores the importance of professionalism and respect. Ultimately, this assessment task equips students with practical skills relevant to both academic pursuits and professional development in policy analysis and international and regional security.

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