Introduction to Public Policy

2025/2026

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

3

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики

Статус:

Курс обязательный

Когда читается:

1-й курс, 3, 4 модуль

Преподаватель

Ульданов Артём Александрович

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course introduces students to the field of public policy. It is focused on a comprehensive process of forming, implementing, and analyzing decisions aimed at solving socially significant problems. The course examines public policy as a cycle that includes agenda setting, policy alternative development and formulation, decision-making, implementation, evaluation and feedback. During the course we will discus the role of key actors (state institutions, media, expert communities, interest groups, social movements), the institutional frameworks themselves, and theoretical approaches that are designed to analyze policy processes.

Learning Objectives

• The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the current theoretical approaches to public policy and to provide them with a systemic understanding of how policymaking is organized in different circumstances and contexts. Students will be introduced to theoretical frameworks and learn to apply them to analyze specific cases from various fields (social, environmental, security, etc.). This allows for the development of critical thinking, analytical skills in working with information, and better grasp of different peculiarities associated with policy processes

Expected Learning Outcomes

• The student is familiar with the basic theoretical approaches in the field of public sphere.
• Illustrates public policy crowdsourcing and collaboration technologies.
• The acquaintance with basic notions of media sphere, public sphere, theories of discourse and speech acts
• Know and understand the concept of evidence-based policymaking
• Know and understand the Policy Cycle Theory and be able to apply it
• Know different definitions of public policy, know the differences between policy, politics and polity
• Employ evidence from different sources in conducting an analysis of an issue
• Identify the various theoretical approaches for explaining important changes in public policy
• Know the features and limitations of contemporary approaches to the study of governance and public policy

Course Contents

• What is public policy (and what it is not)
• The evolution of approaches to the study of public policy: the market and the polis
• The public sphere, civic participation, and deliberative democracy.
• The policy cycle framework: from stage models to more adaptive and flexible approaches
• Social construction of target populations and the role of discourse in public policy
• Policy advice, expertise and evidence-based policymaking

Assessment Elements

• The final exam
  Individual oral exam where we will discuss different aspects of policymaking process and questions related to the frameworks/approaches that were studied during the course
• Group project
  In small groups (3-4 members) students are supposed to apply the policy cycle framework to a policy case of their own choice. They must describe all the stages, highlight policy dynamics and explain the role of stakeholders involved
• Participation in seminars and attendance at lectures

Interim Assessment

• 2025/2026 4th module
  0.25 * Group project + 0.25 * Participation in seminars and attendance at lectures + 0.5 * The final exam

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Araral, E. (2013). Routledge Handbook of Public Policy. New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=513571
• Fives, A., & Breen, K. (2016). Philosophy and Political Engagement : Reflection in the Public Sphere. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1216680
• Politics and public policy, Van Horn, C. E., 2001
• Rochefort, D. A. (1997). Studying Public Policy: Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems. By Howlett Michael and Ramesh M.. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1995. 239p. $28.00. American Political Science Review, (02), 455. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.a.cup.apsrev.v91y1997i02p455.456.21

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• The Oxford handbook of public policy, , 2006

Authors

• ULDANOV ARTEM ALEKSANDROVICH
• Zakharova Elizaveta Sergeevna
• Вишнякова Наталия Владимировна