Module POL1044 for 2018/9
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL1044: Introduction to Public Policy
This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.
Module Aims
Using contemporary examples of policy problems and research led teaching, the module aims to explore the lifecycle of public policies. Where do policy issues come from? How do groups and elites get decision-makers’ attention? How are policy issues framed by policymakers? What are the cognitive dimensions of decision-making? Why do countries copy each other in their policy responses? Once a public policy is made can it ever be reversed or terminated? What role does knowledge and evaluation play in decision-makers’ policy reckonings? Throughout the course links to employability – such as careers in the Civil Service – will be discussed and further information flagged.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. Understand the nature and evolution of core concepts regarding public policy 2. Analyse selected policy theories, ideas, instruments, interests and institutions, and how policy outcomes reflect political forces and also change politics |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Analyse primary and secondary source material in the field of politics 4. Construct and present rigorous oral and written political arguments which show an understanding of key political theories and models |
Personal and Key Skills | 5. Communicate effectively in oral and written work and in independent study and group work including the presentation of material for a non-assessed group discussion 6. Use on-line interactive material to apply key concepts to the empirical world |