PIR-20068 - Module Specification
School of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

Why do some policies change while others stay the same?
Ultimately, most politics is about what governments do, or don't do. While many scholars of politics work in specific fields (e.g. legislatures, transport policy), those working in the field of public policy try to explain the whole: how does the system fit together to produce change or continuity in the way the government acts? That questions raises further issues: how do agendas work?, how do people in a policy area work together or compete with one another?, how does policy reflect people's political interests? This module introduces you to the work and methods of these scholars. There are three assessments for the module: two short written pieces which ask you to consider two particular areas of public policy scholarship (each of 1200 words and each worth 25% of your final module mark) and a policy analysis essay examining a policy area of your choice (2000 words, worth 50% of your final module mark). If you're after some indicative reading, try John Kingdon's Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policies or Michael Hill's The Public Policy Process.
If you've ever wondered about questions of policy, such as why the trains don't run on time, or why you're paying fees to study at university, this module might help you understand.

1. The central purpose of this module is to introduce students to the subject of public policy. Students should become familiar with the ideas of the leading scholars in the field and develop the capacity to question their arguments.
2. Students will also learn and apply the skills associated with policy analysis.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate familiarity with a number of the main theories of public policymaking and a capacity to identify the limitations of these approaches: 2
Analyse an instance of policy making, adopting and applying a particular theoretical approach to deliver a logically structured and delivered policy analysis: 1
Write in a concise and effective academic style (in accordance with guidance in the module guide): 1

Study hours

Lecture Attendance: 10 hours
Seminar Attendance: 10 hours
Seminar Preparation: 50 hours
MCQ Preparation: 20 hours
Essay Preparation: 60 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment