Contemporary Public Policy: Theoretical PerspectivesModule Details

Rationale

The course will provide students with a robust theoretical foundation for understanding and analysing modern policy issues. By exploring various theoretical frameworks, students gain insight into the complexities of policy formulation and implementation, enhancing their ability to critically assess and contribute to policy discourse and decision-making processes.
The course aims to deepen students' understanding of theoretical perspectives in contemporary public policy, fostering critical analysis and equipping them with tools to contribute to policy discourse and propose informed solutions.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:

(i)    Evaluate key concepts, core frameworks and models of public policy and the key debates about them.
(ii)   Analyse the processes involved in agenda-setting and related processes of policy formation and their implications for policy development and decision-making.
(iii)  Apply key concepts and issues in policy analysis, policy implementation, policy instruments, and the monitoring and evaluation of public policy.
(iv)  Recognise complexities of policy and decision-making in practice, and means of addressing them.
(v)   Develop students' independent research skills, enabling them to critically evaluate issues in public policy theory and practice and communicate their analyses.