Public Policy: Theory and Practice
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| INTS3029 | School of International Studies | 3 | 20 | Spring China |
- Code
- INTS3029
- School
- School of International Studies
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring China
Summary
The module convenor: Dr. JeongWon Bourdais Park <[email protected]>.
This module introduces students to the theory and practices of public policy at national, international, and global level. It examines the disciplinary roots and its modern evolution, theoretical approaches, core concepts and methodological debates in Public Policy Studies. This module examines the complex relationship between politics and policy, and public policy processes involving main actors (i.e. national governments, local governments, civil associations, industrial actors, international actors) in the state’s decision-making and implementation process. The module addresses how public policy decisions are made; how to evaluate the positive and negative impacts of public policies on society and citizens’ life across the globe; and how policy sustains and interacts with politics and international relations in shaping and reshaping global governance, overall development, and stability of international community. In addition to examining theories, approaches and concepts, the module’s case studies part particularly focuses on the four main areas of public policy which significantly interface with Political Science and International Relations; namely, (i) economic policy (industrial, technology and innovation, trade, and development): (ii) social policy (public health, education, housing, and migration/integration): (iii) environmental policy (natural resources, disaster management, climate control, urban planning, land use, energy): and (iv) foreign policy (foreign aid and cultural/soft power policy).
Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester. First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.
Target Students
Students from School of International Studies, other schools at UNNC, and exchange students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
The seminar consists of a one-hour workshop/tutorial on students' policy projects and a one-hour presentation on academic reading.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Project paper (2,000 words)
- 50% Exam (Written) (2-hour): 2 hours time-set unseen written exam
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To gain general knowledge of the major theoretical approaches on public policy studies, including cross-disciplinary methodology (Political Science, International Relations, Law, Economics, Sociology), and to develop awareness of the overall process of public policy decision-making. To acquire basic skills of evaluating and reviewing public policy practices.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding.
By the end of the module, in their assessed work, students should be able to understand clearly the differences between politics and policy, and their interactions; to be aware of the functions of public governance, and the mechanism and instruments of public policy; to familiarise with substantive policy issues, and to assess the roles of various stakeholders and institutions; to appreciate different approaches, theories, and tools on public policy analysis.
b) Intellectual skills.
Students should be able to learn the logics of state intervention in market and society; to learn how to understand public policy as a sub-field of Political Science and International Studies, also linking with other related Social Science, to the extent necessary, for example, Law and Economics; to be aware of the interdisciplinary methodology; to be able to assess public policy, think critically on the policy impacts on citizens' life; to gain policy-oriented research skills; to attempt to formulate theories and practical recommendations; to obtain skills to compare different policies based on data analysis and collecting examples; to be able to appreciate other people’s opinions and arguments; to be able to participate in and lead debates and classroom activities in the interactive learning process.
c) Professional/practical skills.
Students are expected to learn how to write academic and professional papers including footnoting, in particular, citing legal documents and government-issued documents; to gain some level of statistical literacy; to acquire research skills to explore governmental policies, international governmental institutions, and negotiation skills.
d) Transferrable skills.
Students will learn how to manage comprehensive and large amounts of datasets; how to express themselves clearly, coherently and confidently; computer literacy for information search and visual material production; general presentation and writing skills; teamwork skills including coordinating collaborative work and producing synthesis reports.
e) Professional competencies.
Based on knowledge and skills on public policy, students may be required to produce a set of professional portfolios such as evidence of innovative policy communication, policy-oriented research brief, policy recommendations, consultation papers, op eds. etc. targeting various audiences.
Conveners
- Dr JeongWon Park