Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL1044: Introduction to Public Policy

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

Using contemporary examples of policy problems and research led teaching, the module explores 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? Why do countries copy each other in their policy responses? Once a public policy is made can it ever be reversed or terminated? Throughout the course links to employability and specifically how policy concepts can help us make policy in practice will be discussed.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. 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 Skills3. 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 Skills5. Communicate effectively in oral and written work and in independent study and group work
6. Use on-line interactive material to apply key concepts to the empirical world

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 topics:

1. What is Public Policy?
2. Who are the Policy Actors? Policy Networks, Epistemic Communities and Policy Entrepreneurs
3. What Makes an Issue a Policy Problem? Problem Definition and Agenda-Setting
4. What Can Governments Do? Policy Formulation Instruments
5. Decision Making Models
6. How do Institutions Matter for Policy?
7. Policy Implementation
8. Policy Evaluation
9. Policy in Space: Policy Transfer and Diffusion Across Countries
10. Policy in Time: Policy Zombies and Termination
11. Module Review and Exam Revision Session

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
27.5122.50

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities16.511 x 1.5 hour lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities1111 x 1 hour tutorials
Guided Independent Study5.5Preparation for formative essay plan
Guided independent study40Preparation and writing of essay
Guided independent study37Preparation and revision for examination
Guided Independent Study40Reading for tutorials

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).