Politics

Comparative Public Policy

Module code: L2052
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework, Take away paper

Why do public policies differ from country to country? How can we explain these differences? Why are some governments more successful than others in solving specific policy problems? These are the key questions you'll explore in this introductory module on comparative public policy.

The module is divided into two parts:

• Theoretical framework: You'll examine theoretical issues related to public policy analysis, including the stages of the policy process and the main theories that explain cross-national and temporal differences in public policy.
• Policy analysis: You'll apply these theories to specific policy areas such as:
  • welfare and social policy
  • pension policy
  • family policy
  • labour market policy
  • immigration policy
  • education policy

For each policy area, you'll examine the roles of various actors, interests, and institutions in the policy process, as well as the influence of broader structures and ideas in policy making.

Module learning outcomes

• A good understanding of the main theoretical models and interpretations of public policy-making
• A detailed knowledge of cross-national differences in one or more policy areas and be able to use different theories to explain those differences
• Ability to critically analyse primary and secondary sources and to construct and present rigorous oral and written arguments
• Ability to use IT effectively for retrieval and presentation of relevant information