Module POC1014 for 2018/9
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POC1014: The Public Policy Process
This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.
Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.
Module Aims
This module aims to provide an introduction to the public policy process by presenting major concepts, theoretical debates and key academic texts. It also aims to link theoretical arguments to empirical examples through employing material from different national contexts, primarily the UK. By undertaking the module, you will also develop your research, analytical and writing skills.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate knowledge of the public policy process specifically, through engagement with key concepts, debates and major academic texts; 2. demonstrate the ability to understand theories of the policy process and apply this knowledge to the explanation of empirical examples; |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. demonstrate knowledge of political processes generally, debates and major academic texts; 4. demonstrate the ability to understand political theory and apply this knowledge to the explanation of empirical examples. |
Personal and Key Skills | 5. research and write analytical essays; 6. formulate critical arguments; and 7. communicate arguments effectively through written submissions. |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:
- Introduction to the policy process – policy types and stages, module assessments, reading
- Major theories of the policy process – pluralism, neopluralism, structuralism, networks, institutional theory, advocacy coalition framework
- Relating theories to a case study
- The decisional phase
- Issues and agenda-setting
- Policy formulation
- Policy instruments
- Decision-making
- The post-decisional phase
- Implementation
- Evaluation, succession/termination
- Conclusions and new horizons in public policy research
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
---|---|---|
27.5 | 122.5 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
Category | Hours of study time | Description |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 16.5 hours | 11 Lectures 1.5 hours each |
Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 11 hours | 11 Seminars 1 hour duration |
Guided independent study | 122.5 hours | Private study. Students will be given directed reading to complete which will support the lectures, seminars and coursework (approximately 50% of the allocated time). Students will be expected to devote the rest of this time to the formative exercise and completing the summative case study. The case study will also require some independent research, although guidance will be given in class and on request. |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|
Policy case study proposal | 300 words | 1,6 | Written feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
---|---|---|
67 | 33 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Policy brief/essay | 33 | 1500 words | 1-7 | Written feedback |
Policy case study/ extended essay | 67 | 3000 words | 1-7 | Written feedback |
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 | ||||
0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
---|---|---|---|
Policy brief/essay | Take home essay | 1-7 | August/September assessment period |
Policy case study/ extended essay | Policy case study/extended essay | 1-7 | August/September assessment period |
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
Dryzek, J. and Dunleavy, P. (2009) Theories of the Democratic State. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Hill, M. (2009) The Public Policy Process. Harlow: Pearson.
Howlett, M. (2010) Designing Public Policies. London: Routledge.
Wu, X., Ramesh, M. and Howlett, M. (2010) The Public Policy Primer. London: Routledge.