GV923-7-AU-CO:
Foundations of Public Policy

The details
2024/25
Government
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
16 October 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MPP L43012 The Essex MPP,
MPP L43024 The Essex MPP,
MPP L430EB The Essex MPP,
MA L14312 Economics with Public Policy

Module description

This module introduces students to key concepts and theoretical approaches to studying and analysing public policy as well as applying these concepts and approaches to real-world public policy areas.


This includes the economic, theoretical and normative foundations for public policies, theories of the public policy process and the actors and institutions involved in this process as well as approaches to studying the politics and political dilemmas regarding public policy.


The students will also be introduced and apply these concepts to real-world policy areas including education, pollution and taxation.


The module will enable the students to apply key theoretical concepts and theoretical approaches to studying real-world policy areas and policy processes in modern developed democracies.

Module aims

The aims of the module are:



  • To provide the students with the theoretical background for the role public policy plays and can play in modern societies.

  • To provide the students with an overview of the key concepts and key actors involved in the formulation, making and implementation of public policy

  • To introduce the students to theories and theoretical approaches to studying the public policy process and the politics of the public policy process.

  • To introduce the students to key policy areas.

Module learning outcomes

By following this module, students will gain the following skills:



  1. A comprehensive understanding of economic and normative foundations for public policy.

  2. A detailed knowledge of the actors and institutions involved in the public policy process.

  3. Ability to understand and critically analyze public policy processes.

  4. Knowledge of central policy areas and the ability to apply key concepts and theoretical approaches to these areas.

Module information

Indicative syllabus:


Introduction and (potential) normative foundations
Collective action and public goods
The policy process: Formulation
The policy process: Decision-making
The Policy process: Implementation and evaluation
The politics of the public policy process
Policy area: Education
Policy area: Health
Policy area: Pollution
Policy area: Taxation

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be taught in a weekly 2-hour seminar.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Mid-term Essay  05/11/2024  30% 
Coursework   Independent essay  14/01/2025  70% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Paul Bou-Habib, email: pbou@essex.ac.uk.
Professor Paul Bou-Habib
Please contact govpgquery@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Adrian Florea
University of Glasgow
Senior Lecturer in International Relations
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 8 hours, 6 (75%) hours available to students:
2 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Government

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