ADM3204 PUBLIC POLICY

Course Code:3103204
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Political Science and Public Adm.
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. MUSTAFA KEMAL BAYIRBAĞ
Offered Semester:Spring Semesters.

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

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Ability to reach the information they need in their daily lives, and to interpret it
2Being in command of the basic concepts of law
3Understanding the political, economical, and social transformations that occur in a wide range of areas including local and international levels
4Defining and solving problems encountered in political, social, and economic life
5Being conscious, effective and rational citizens who can comprehend the transformations taking place in Turkey and in the world today
6Being professionals who can operate as productive participants in any public organization
7Having the knowledge about how public organizations function and how their decision making processes and mechanisms work
8Developing original solutions to the problems faced in relation to their own area of interest
9Critical thinking ability
10Being in command of the interdisciplinary approaches

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