Explaining Public Policies
| Module title | Explaining Public Policies |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL2102 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Claire Dunlop () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 85 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will explore key policy research theories in depth. You will be provided with a range of conceptual approaches that explore themes including: the role of stories in policy-making; the sources of radical policy change; the impact of policies on people and their self-identity. We explore these themes using case studies from contemporary policy-making including: LGBT policy change, gun control and capital punishment. The module provides the opportunity to think critically about the everyday issues faced by policymakers both in the UK and globally and is highly recommended to any students interested in public policy and wish to continue this pathway at Level 3.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module helps you understand and explain why policies take the form they do. After the introductory lecture, the module is taught in five 2-week cycles; a theoretical framework will be introduced in the first week and then applied to an empirical setting in the second week through research-led teaching. The tutorials will mirror these lectures and will include student presentations based on the corresponding topics. In addition to encouraging students to think like policymakers, the module will continually provide links to employability and future career pathways such as the Civil Service, lobbying and policy advisor roles.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate understanding of the nature and evolution of core concepts regarding public policy
- 2. analyse policy problems through key conceptual lenses
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. critically assess the utility of different public policy-oriented theories and methods deployed in policy analysis
- 4. apply key theoretical tenants to concrete, empirical examples
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills (via PowerPoint presentations, course work and assessed essays)
- 6. successfully use IT for the retrieval and presentation of information
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
1. How Do We Explain Policies? What Gives a Theory its Power?
2. Multiple Streams Framework and the Role of Luck, Chance and Contingency
3. Multiple Streams Framework Case Study – Tobacco Control
4. Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Why Policies Change (Sometimes…)
5. Punctuated Equilibrium Theory Case Study – Capital Punishment in the USA
6. Narrative Policy Framework and the Persistent of Stories and Myths in Policy
7. Narrative Policy Framework Case Study – Foreign Policy and Iraq or US Gun Control
8. Policy Learning – Do Policies Ever Improve Over Time?
9. Policy Learning Case Study – 'Gay Propaganda' Bans in the UK and Russia
10. Target Populations – How Policy Decisions Construct Citizens and Democracies
11. Target Populations Case Study – LGBT Citizens Treatment in Law
N.B. Please note these case studies are indicative, some weeks we may branch out to further empirical examples
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27.5 | 122.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 16.5 | 11 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 11 | 11 x 1 hour tutorial. Tutorials are based on lecture topics. Every student will be expected to present a formative assessment during the semester. |
| Guided Independent Study | 5.5 | Preparation for seminar presentation |
| Guided independent study | 40 | Preparation and writing of essay |
| Guided independent study | 37 | Preparation and revision for examination |
| Guided Independent Study | 40 | Reading for Tutorials |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay plan | 300 words | 1-5, 7 | Verbal, one-to-one |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 45 | 10 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 45 | 2,000 words | 1-6 | Written |
| Examination | 45 | 1 hour | 1-6 | Written |
| Group Tutorial Presentation | 10 | 15 minutes | 1-6 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay(2000 words) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
| Examination | Exam(1 hour) | 1-6 | August/September reassessment period |
| Group Tutorial Presentation | Individual or group presentation with tutor (15 minutes) | 1-6 | Throughout the semester |
Re-assessment notes
For the group tutorial presentation, reassessment can be offered during the semester if appropriate and available.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Indicative Reading List:
Dunlop, C.A., Radaelli, C.M. and Trein, J.P. (2018) (eds) Learning in Public Policy: Analysis, Modes and Outcomes,Palgrave
Freeman, R.B. and Sturdy, S. (eds) (2014) Knowledge in Policy: Embodied, Inscribed, Enacted Bristol: Policy Press.
George, A.L. and Bennett, A. (2004) Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences London: MIT Press.
Howlett, M., Wu, X. and Ramesh, M. (2017) (eds) Policy Capacity and Governance: Assessing Governmental Competences and Capabilities in Theory and Practice Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Jenkins-Smith, H.C. (1990) Democratic Politics and Policy Analysis. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Jones, B.D. (2001) Politics and the Architecture of Choice. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Jones, M.D., McBeth, M.K. and Shanahan, E.A. (2014) (eds) The Science of Stories: Applications of the Narrative Policy Framework in Public Policy Analysis Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Lindblom, C.E. (1965) The Intelligence of Democracy New York, NY: The Free Press.
Parsons, W. (1995) Public Policy: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Pierson, P. (2004) Politics in Time Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Schattschneider, E.E. (1960) The Semi-Sovereign People New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Schneider, A. L. and Ingram, H.M. (1997) Policy Design for Democracy Lawrence, KA: University Press of Kansas
Weible, C.M. and Sabatier, P.A. (eds) (2017) Theories of The Policy Process, 4th Ed Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Yanow, D. (1996) How Does A Policy Mean? Georgetown University Press.
Zahariadis, N. (2016) Handbook of Public Policy Agenda Setting. Edward Elgar.
Journals: Comparative Politics; Environmental Politics; Environmental Values; European Journal of Public Policy; Governance; Health, Risk and Society; Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management; Journal of European Public Policy; Journal of Policy Analysis and Management; Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory (J-PART); Journal of Public Policy; Policy and Politics; Policy Sciences; Policy Studies; Policy Studies Journal; Public Administration; Public Administration Review; Public Policy and Administration; Review of Policy Research; Risk Analysis; Risk and Regulation; Risk, Decision and Policy; Science and Public Policy
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 23/01/2018 |
| Last revision date | 05/02/2019 |
