Bachelor
2018/2019




Introduction to Policy Analysis
Type:
Compulsory course (Political Science and World Politics)
Area of studies:
Political Science
When:
3 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
5
Contact hours:
52
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course is devoted to the discussion how the contemporary states function, who and how can influence the making and implementation of political decisions and why quite often the states’ intentions do not reach their aims. The class consists of three parts. The first part seeks to reveal what the state is and what are the possibilities and limits of its functioning. The second part discusses the main theories and models in designing and implementation of different policies. The third part covers the methodological underpinnings of policy analysis.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- student is capable of retrieving, collecting, processing and analyzing information relevant for achieving goals in the professional field
- student is able to work in team
- Student is capable of reporting the results of the information retrieval and analysis, academic or applied research she/he has conducted: - in various genres (including reviews, policy papers, reports and publications pertaining to socio-political subject matter); - and depending on the target audience
- student is capable of executing applied analysis of the political phenomena and political processes: (a) by using political science methods and (b) in support of practical decision making process
Course Contents
- Why state? State capacity and state autonomy.The role of state in public policy. State capacity as an ability to implement state decisions. State autonomy from interest groups. The role of state capacity and state autonomy in policy making.
- Why state? Market failuresEconomic efficiency as a normative rationale behind public policy. Market failures. Role of the state in the prevention of market failures.
- What are public policies and why do (not) we want to analyze them? What are public policy problems?The notions of public policy and a policy problem. Features of policy problems. The social construction of policy problems.
- Why state? State failuresWhy sometimes state fails to prevent market failures and ensure efficiency? State failures inherent in representative government and bureaucracy.
- Policy processesPolicy cycle as a basic model of policy process. Stages of the policy process. Advantages and shortcomings of the policy cycle model.
- Do policies determine politics?When policy affects politics? Policy feedback. Policy feedback mechanisms and levels.
- Policy politics and advocacy coalitionsThe Advocacy Coalition Framework. Policy subsystem. The role of beliefs in public policy and coalition formation. Levels of beliefs. Advocacy coalitions. Coalitional resources. Paths to policy change.
- Policy decision-making: windows of opportunities and policy learningThe Multiple Streams Framework. Policy, politics and problem streams. Coupling. Policy entrepreneurs. Policy windows. Policy learning.
- How to write policy papers?Different types of policy papers and their aims. Content and structure of a policy paper. What makes a policy paper efficient?
- Statistics and experiments in policy evaluationEvidence-based policy making. The role of statistical and experimental evidence in policy evaluation. Politics of evidence-based policy making. Evidence-based, but still value-laden.
- Qualitative policy analysis: interpretation, meaning and contentSocial construction and policy design. Qualitative methods in policy analysis.
- ConclusionsSumming up the course. Looking at public policy through different lenses. Theoretical approaches and real policy-making process.
Assessment Elements
- In-class Participation
- TestsThere will be three short quizzes covering the material of the preceding lectures and seminars.
- Team project
- Final exam
Interim Assessment
- Interim assessment (2 module)The cumulative grade is worked out by the following formula: 40%*in-class participation + 20%*tests + 40%*team project The final exam is in a written form. The final grade is worked out by the following formula: 60%*cumulative grade + 40%*final exam grade.
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Cairney, P. (2016). The Politics of Evidence-Based Policy Making. New York: Palgrave Pivot. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1203451
- Knoepfel, P. (2007). Public Policy Analysis. Bristol: Policy Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=237148
- Thissen, W. A. H., & Walker, W. E. (2013). Public Policy Analysis : New Developments. New York: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=537663
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Shapiro, S. (2016). Analysis and Public Policy. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1194861