1. Home
2. Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences

ADM3204 PUBLIC POLICY

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the student will learn:

• the key stages and dynamics of "public policy process"
• how changing relations between the state and society/economy shape the process
• the key concepts employed as public policies are examined
• the types and functions of different policy instruments
• how to construct an analytical framework to conduct "public policy analysis"
• how to prepare a policy research proposal
• how to conduct "policy analysis" targeting a concrete policy problem.
• how to gather and/or produce empirical information required to evaluate a given policy (program)
• how to establish connections between a theoretical framework and the empirical material collected via field research.
• how to develop a critical evaluation of a given policy so as to identify policy alternatives.

Course Content

The aim of this course is to introduce you to the literature on Public Policy and to help you to develop a refined approach to the working of the government. In other words, we are interested in the
state at work. The course, first, justifies the need to study public policy and gives a broader overview of what the terms ´policy process´ and ´policy analysis´ stand for. In doing so, it also concentrates on existing theories of the policy process. Next, we will have a closer look at the policy-making and formation process. In particular, we will examine the question of who makes public policy, the patterns of participation to policy-making, as well as the role played by institutions in this process, as facilitators or obstacles. Finally, we will discuss the instruments of public policy adopted by the government during the policy process. Especially, ´regulation´ and ´fiscal instruments´ of public policy

Course Learning Outcomes

A student who passed this course will be able to:

• identify the key stages and dynamics of "public policy process"
• examine how changing relations between the state and society/economy shape the process
• examine the feasibility of a policy scheme/program by identifying the relative strength and weaknesses of different policy instruments used in relation to the stated policy goals.
• construct an analytical framework to conduct "public policy analysis"
• prepare a policy research proposal
• conduct "policy analysis" targeting a concrete policy problem.
• gather and/or produce empirical information required to evaluate a given policy (program)
• establish connections between a theoretical framework and the empirical material collected via field research.
• develop a critical evaluation of a given policy so as to identify policy alternatives.

Program Outcomes Matrix

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution