ADM525 PUBLIC POLICY
| Course Code: | 3100525 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 9 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 18.0 |
| Department: | Political Science and Public Adm. |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. AYLİN TOPAL |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This course aims to present the foundational theories of the policy process, looking in turn, to the aspects of the policy cycle, i.e. agenda-setting, formulation, implementation and evaluation. By doing so, it helps students evaluate the role of actors (politicians, bureaucrats, interest groups, media and citizens) in shaping the inputs and outcomes of policies. The course also aims to help students develop analytical skills to compare and contrast policy approaches of different governance systems.
Course Content
This course examines theories, processes, and practices of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in domestic and international contexts. It explores how governments and institutions design policies to address societal problems, balancing political, economic, and ethical considerations. Key themes include agenda-setting, policy instruments (regulation, taxation, subsidies), stakeholder analysis, and the role of evidence in policymaking. The course integrates comparative perspectives, examining policy diffusion and variation across different political systems. Case studies may include healthcare reform, climate policy, social welfare, and crisis management.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
Critically assess how problems become policy priorities (e.g., media influence, crisis-driven agendas).
Design policy proposals with clear objectives, implementation strategies, and evaluation metrics.
Identify barriers to effective policy implementation (e.g., bureaucratic resistance, resource constraints).
Debate ethical dilemmas in policymaking (e.g., equity vs. efficiency, short-term vs. long-term trade-offs).
Use data and research to support or critique existing policies.
Communicate policy analysis persuasively to diverse audiences (academic, professional, public).
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | The ability to interpret and assess the ways in which power is generated and used socially, institutionally, economically and culturally at the local, national and international levels. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | The ability to conduct interdisciplinary studies and research when assessing the social phenomena in the field of Political Science and Public Administration. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | To attain a sound formation regarding the basic topics, like state-society relations, history of political thought, organisational theory, Turkish politics and comparative politics, in the field of Political Science and Public Administration. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | The ability to use the classical and new approaches in social sciences comprehensively and critically. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | To acquire the methodological knowledge and scientific skills which would enhance the capacity to conduct scientific research and produce publications including a M.S. thesis. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | The ability to evaluate the different dimensions of the problems in the policy areas which are studied through the use of different theoretical perspectives and to develop strategies on this basis. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | To uphold ethical principles in science, academy and life. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | To approach the issues by an independent, critical and inventive cognitive orientation, which could also support the professional career development. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution