Module POL2097 for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL2097: Behavioural Public Policy and the Nudge Agenda
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.
Module Aims
The main objective of the module is to provide you with a critical understanding of how research and theoretical insights from the fields of behavioural economics and social psychology are being used to develop policy interventions in the contemporary era. In particular, the module discusses the apparently ‘boundedly rational’ nature of much human behaviour and the implications of this for governments seeking to develop policy tools or shape the ‘choice architecture’ to influence citizens.
The module will use up-to-date case studies of methods and techniques that are being employed by contemporary governments in OECD countries, which will provide a useful grounding for those wishing to pursue a career in government. The methods and techniques discussed however have a range of applications in the private and non-profit sectors and so the research insights introduced in this module will also have value for those wishing to pursue careers in these other sectors.
While the course has practical policy relevance, you will be encouraged to take a critical, questioning approach and the course will also cover ethical and legitimacy questions surrounding behavioural public policy and its specific applications. You will engage in philosophical debates concerning ‘libertarian paternalism’ and explore research on the public’s view of the acceptability of Nudges.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how behavioural economic and social psychological insights are being used by government to secure policy outcomes 2. Demonstrate awareness of key heuristics employed in human decision-making 3. Articulate and critically evaluate a range of theoretical perspectives concerning the role of the State in influencing citizen behaviour |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. Synthesise and extract arguments from academic literature and apply these to real policy problems 5. Propose viable methodologies for assessing the effects of policy interventions |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. Present arguments in a cogent way to a non-specialist audience 7. Work effectively as part of a team to deliver a defined project |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group discussions of research protocol & essay plans | 1 page summary of each brought to class | 3,4 (essay) 1,2,5,6 (protocol) | Oral (peers) |
| Small group assessment preparation activity, presented to class or small groups in class | 4-6 hours preparation time (mix of individual & group preparation) | 1, 4-7 | Oral (peers & tutor) |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 2000 words | 1,3,4,6,7 | Written |
| Research protocol (i.e. a written description of a design for a research experiment to evaluate the effects of a behavioural change intervention in an area of the students own choosing) | 50 | 2000 words | 1-2, 4-7 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (2000 words) | 1,3,4,6,7 | August/September reassessment period |
| Research protocol | IndResearch protocol (2000 words)ividual powerpoint presentation emailed to course convenor with follow up q&a by email | 1-2, 4-7 | August/September reassessment period |
