School of Environment, Resources and Development, (SERD)  
 
Semester Offering: January
 
ED84.01 : Public Policy  2(2-0) [Required course]
Course objectives:
The objective of this course is to provide the students with in-depth understanding of the concepts, processes and analytical tools for public policy-making. The course will further aim to familiarize students with the public policy cycle and the key actors involved in the policy-making process. The course will focus on critical sustainable development issues in the context of the current SDG agenda. Global, national and local policy initiatives will be discussed.

 
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand and critically assess different approaches to public policymaking
  • Understand and critically evaluate public policy processes and instruments
  • Critically assess the existing global, national and local public policies
  • Use selected analytical techniques for public policy analysis

 
Pre-requisite(s):

None

 
Course Outline:

I.      Concepts and contexts in public policy
1.     Theoretical approaches to public policy
2.     Contexts of public policy
3.     Key actors in public policy

II.      Public policy making process
1.     Understanding public policymaking
2.     Policy process cycle
3.     Instruments of public policy
III.    Public policy analysis
1.     Introduction to policy analysis
2.     Analytical assessment of public policy alternatives

IV.   Issues and controversies in public policy
1.     Economic and budgetary policies
2.     Sustainable development policies
3.     Contemporary issues in policy making


 
Laboratory Sessions:
None

 
Learning Resources:

Textbook:
  • Kraft, M. E. and Furlong, S. R. (2018). Public Policy, Politics, Analysis and Alternatives. Sage

 
Reference Books:
  1. Weible, C. M. and Sabatier, P. A. (2017). Theories of the Policy Process, Hachette
  2. John, P. (2012).  Analyzing Public Policy, Routledge
  3. Howlett, M. (2011). Designing Public Policies. Principles and Instruments, London: Routledge.
  4. Knoepfel, P., Larrue, C., Varone, F. and Hill, M. (2007). Public Policy Analysis, Bristol: The Policy Press.
  5. Patton, C., Sawicki, D. and Clark, J. (2013). Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, 3rd edition, Upper Sandle River, NJ: Pearson.
  6. Hill, M. & Hupe, P. (2014). Implementing Public Policy: An Introduction to the Study of Operational Governance, Sage.

 
Journals and Magazines:
1.     Global Policy, Willey
2.     Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press
3.     Policy Studies Journal, Willey
4.     Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier
5.     Health Policy, Elsevier

 
Time Distribution and Study Load:
Lectures: 15 hours
Practical sessions: 30 hours
Self-study: 45 hours

 
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The course will focus on participative learning, lectures, invited lectures, group discussions, group and individual presentations, and individual assignments.

 
Evaluation Scheme:
Written assignment (40%); participation (10%), final exam (closed books) (50%).

An “A” would be awarded if a student can elaborate the knowledge learned in class by giving his/her own analysis in national and project case studies conducted in this course and from journal articles and including assigned readings. A “B” would be awarded if a student shows an overall understanding of all given topics, a “C” would be given if a student meets below average expectation on both knowledge acquired and analysis. A “D” would be given if a student does not meet basis expectations in understanding and analyzing the topics and issues presented in the course.