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Module Title
LM Making Policy
School
Government
Department
International Development
Module Code
07 08345
Module Lead
Elena Denezhkina
Level
Masters Level
Credits
20
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
Making policy is at the heart of government. It sounds simple, but in reality policy making is a complex process, with competing interests trying to influence the agenda and design of solutions, with those with more power and resources more likely to influence policy. A wide range of strategies are used by those seeking to influence policy, making it important to understand how a policy process works and which strategies are best to use to gain influence.
This module is essential for those students working in government, or intending to work in government, and playing a role in making, implementing and/or evaluating policy. It is also essential for those who hope to play a role in influencing policy, whether that’s through an NGO, a campaign group or a think tank. You will gain knowledge of policy-making and skills in making, analysing and influencing policy that will be of real use to you in the policy world.
The emphasis of the module is on the process of making policy, rather than on the content. Key concepts associated with policy analysis are introduced to analyse the process of policy-making, providing students with: a better understanding of how policies are made; an appreciation of the complexity of the policy process; familiarity with key factors that limit the government’s ability to achieve its goals; and the ability to identify links between the various levels of constraints facing policy makers.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Critically understand the role of the policy process in the success or failure of policies
Critically analyse policy processes in terms of agenda-setting, stakeholders, policy communities and networks, decision-making, implementation and evaluation
Critically analyse how policy decisions are formulated, including the role of evidence and evaluation
Critically analyse and apply the concept of the policy cycle to real world scenarios
Assessment
08345-01 : Policy Paper- 2000 words : Coursework (50%)
08345-02 : Essay - 2500 words : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 2,500 word essay (60%) 5-minute oral presentation (40%)
Reassessment: Resubmission of failed assignment(s)
Other
Reading List
Howlett, M., M. Ramesh and A. Perl (2009) Studying Public Policy: Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems, 3rd edn., Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Knill, C. and J. Tosun (2012) Public Policy: A New Introduction, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hudson, J. and S. Lowe (2009) Understanding the Policy Process: Analysing Welfare Policy and Practice, 2nd edn., Bristol: Polity Press.
