Public Policy

Welcome to our Public Policy course, designed to introduce students to the intricate world of policy development and implementation. This course aims to provide a foundational understanding of how public policies are crafted, analyzing the influence of various factors in the policymaking process.

Using Paul Cairney's "Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020" as our primary text, we'll explore key topics such as the role of power in policy decisions, the impact of psychology on policymakers, and the significance of institutions in shaping policy. The course also delves into theoretical frameworks like Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and the Advocacy Coalition Framework, offering insights into the dynamics of policy change. By the end of this course, students will be well-equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in policy analysis, ready to engage with the challenges of public policy.

1. Introduction to the course

2. Introduction to Policy and Policymaking

Required reading: Introduction to Policy and Policymaking, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

2. What Is Policy and Policymaking?

Required reading: What is Policy and Policymaking?, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

3. Power and Public Policy

Required reading: Power and Public Policy, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

4. Bounded Rationality and the Psychology of Policymaking

Required reading: Bounded Rationality and Psychology of Policymaking, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

5. Institutions and New Institutionalism

Required reading: Institutions and New Institutionalism, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

6. Structures, Environments, and Complex Systems

Required reading: Structures, Environments, and Complex Systems, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

7. Collective Action Problems in Public Policy

Required reading: Collective Action Problems in Public Policy, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

8. Multi-level Governance and Multi-centric Policymaking

Required reading: Multi-level Governance and Multi-centric Policymaking, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

9. Punctuated Equilibrium Theory

Required reading: Punctuated Equilibrium Theory, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

10. The Advocacy Coalition Framework

Required reading: Advocacy Coalition Framework, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

11. Ideas and Multiple Streams Analysis

Required reading: Ideas and Multiple Streams Analysis, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

12. Policy Learning and Transfer

Required reading: Policy Learning and Transfer, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

13. Policy Theory as Accumulated Wisdom

Required reading: Policy Theory as Accumulated Wisdom, in: Paul Cairney, Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

14. Summary and evaluation

Paul Cairney , Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues, 2nd edition, 2020

1. Students understand basic concepts and theories of public policy and its processes.

2. Students know how to make outline of research proposal based on their understanding of basic concepts and theories of public policy and its processes.

3. Students are interested in public policy issues in different policy roles: policy researchers, policy advisors, policy activists.

1. Attendance: There will be an attendance list you should sign every class. If you miss two classes it has no consequences. If you miss more than two classes you should meet the lecturer on his duty hours next week and pass missed topic. If you miss more than 6 classes you fail the course.

2. Exam: written exam during summer examination session.

3. Class participation: students are expected to read course readings before the class, asking questions and making comments during the class.

4. Other requirements: there will be online questionnaires and low-stake online tests during the course (low-stake means obligatory, but not graded)

5. Grading: final grade depends on the written exam with class participation, other requirements and attendance results

none