Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL1044: Introduction to Public Policy

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

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).