STV4428B ¨C Theories of Public Policy and the Policy Process

Course content

Public policies are influenced by various aspects such as party politics, institutional factors, or lobbyism by non-state actors. In this course, students are introduced to a wide range of political science theories that are relevant for understanding the process of policymaking. While some of these approaches reveal how individuals or organizations can achieve surprising things, others point to more systemic factors. In the discussions and the term paper, participants will be challenged to take a stand on the advantages and disadvantages of different theories when explaining specific aspects of policymaking.

All the steps in the political decision-making process will be analyzed, ranging from an issue being put on the political agenda until political decisions are made and finally implemented and enforced. The course introduces public policy at both the national and international levels, and students are trained to understand how these different political levels influence and interact with each other.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• Have a good understanding of what important political science theories say about who and what influences public policy choices and design.
• Understand how different political science theories can be used to understand the various steps in the decision-making process, from agenda setting to political decisions, and i