Policy and Politics: the theory and Strategy of Delivering Public Services
| Module title | Policy and Politics: the theory and Strategy of Delivering Public Services |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM221M |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Oliver James (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 18 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will explore the different traditions and theories of policy analysis and the importance of using theoretical frameworks for the analysis and understanding of governance and policy-making. The module will introduce you to case studies of policy success and failure and help you to draw lessons from them. You will also explore what is meant by the term, 'the public sector', and the way in which policy making within the public sector is necessarily different to the approaches adopted in private sector organisations. The module will seek to examine how complex structures and institutions can be explained in ways which are meaningful and have an academic and practitioner relevance beyond the borders of the state where they are located.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to develop skills and knowledge that are important for policy making in the public sector. You will become familiar with the biases and common mistakes in public decision making. You will also be able to reflect on the way that politics influences decisions for better or worse. The module places individual policy failures and successes into a wider context of public sector performance to facilitate the analysis of patterns of success and failure. This knowledge will equip you to be more effective policy makers in your future careers.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically examine the importance of current and classical policy analysis theory
- 2. Apply theoretical frameworks to real world examples informed by an advanced methodological and analytical skill
- 3. Identify examples of best practice with regard to strategic policy making and evaluate their transferability to other jurisdictions
- 4. Explain the dynamics of political reform and strategic policymaking, with reference to a range of theoretical models
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports and public policy
- 6. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature
- 7. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment
- 9. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives
- 10. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the order indicated:
1. What is theory and how do we know what we know?
2. Models and Approaches
3. Issues in Comparative Policy Study and Analysis
4. Internationalization and Domestic Policy Formation
5. Comparing Major Policy Fields
6. Comparing Policy Instruments
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 136 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 14 | 14 seminars (1 hour each) |
| Guided independent study | 50 | Reading, thinking and preparing for seminars |
| Guided independent study | 86 | Assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation through essay plan for coursework essay | 500 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Learning Log | 20 | 1,000 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
| Coursework Essay | 80 | 3,500 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Learning Log | Reflective Learning Log (1,000 words) | 1-10 | Reassessment period |
| Coursework Essay | Coursework Essay (3,500 words) | 1-10 | Reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Polllitt, C, (2008), Time, Policy, Management: Governing with the Past, Oxford University Press
Ham C and Hill M, (1997)The Policy Process in the Modern Capitalist State, Prentice Hall/Harvester Wheatsheaf
Parsons D. W, (1996) Public Policy, Edward Elgar
Cairney, P, (2013) Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, Palgrave MacMillan
John, P, (2011) Making Policy Work, Routledge
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
The module will be supported by ELE materials, including links to core texts
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2010 |
| Last revision date | 13/07/2020 |
