Policy Science (5 ECTS)

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Policy Science
Leerdoelen	The student knows the current concepts and theories of policy science and is able to apply important basic policy-analytical methods (analysis of a problem, analysis of policy content, analysis of policy theory, analysis of an instrument model) to a current social problem. Knowledge and insight: - Knowledge of and insight into relevant core concepts and theories of policy science - Knowledge of and insight into the functioning of the policy process Skills and Attitude - the ability to formulate written answers to policy-scientific questions - the ability to write an evaluation of a policy
Omschrijving	Societies are confronted with complex problems that will be addressed by governmental institutions, think of poverty, climate change, dependence on fossil fuels, inequality, food scarcity, health care. Governments have the potential to (at least partially) deal with these problems. Still, we hear mostly about policy failure, whilst policy successes are not regularly celebrated. Often this is not due to mal-intentions, but to inability and lack of knowledge. The course policy studies provides insights in the process, which describes how societal problems that presumably require government action are addressed, how solutions to those problems are formulated and implemented and how these solutions impact the problem. For this purpose a distinction will be made between political, technical and operational challenges when dealing with of complex problems. Not only the challenges will be discussed, also solutions will be explored that are suggested to overcome those challenges. Topics that are covered: - the selection of problems - characteristics of policy tools - effective decision making - top-down and bottom-up implementation - evaluation criteria The insights will enable students to examine and evaluate existing policies and policy making, in order to develop recommendations to improve those policies or future policy plans. Method: During the lectures, the core concepts and theories of the policy process are discussed. The knowledge of the policy studies will be assessed with a written exam at the end of the course. During the course students will analyse an existing policy plan, explore its potential pitfalls or opportunities of improvement, making use of the literature discussed.
Uren per week	2
Onderwijsvorm	hoorcollege (7 2 hour lectures.)
Toetsvorm	opdracht(en), schriftelijk (essayvragen) (digitaal)
Vaksoort	b-niveau, juridisch
Coördinator	dr. B. Brink
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs The public policy primer: making the policy process (2nd ed.), Routledge Wu, X. Ramesh, X., Howlett, M., Fritzen, S. 9781138651548
Entreevoorwaarden	This course is only accessible for students that have obtained at least 45 EC from their first year courses at research university level or that participate in a pre-approved pre-master or decree programme. Only as part of the Minor Governance and Law
Opmerkingen
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc International Business/IB  (minor Governance and Law) 3 semester I b verplicht Minor Governance and Law  ( Minor Governance and Law - 30 ECTS) 1 semester I b compulsory