GV4F4 Half Unit
Policy Advice in Theory and Practice
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Paolo Belardinelli
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in Public Administration and Government (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Peking University) and MSc in Public Policy and Administration. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course is capped at 3 groups. The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 30 September 2020.
Course content
Many masters graduates in public policy and administration go on to work in organizations that produce or consume policy advice. With this in mind, this course will look at how policy advice is produced and used. It has three objectives: to introduce students to a range of theoretical and empirical scholarship on the issues involved in producing and using policy advice; to develop practical policy analysis and communication skills required of policy advisors; and to expose students to practitioners who produce and use policy advice. Students will develop their policy analysis and communication skills by critically analysing the theoretical scholarship on policy advice, the science-policy link, and research impact. Moreover, we will apply this analysis to real-world cases during the seminars, in group presentations and exercises, and in the formative and assessed coursework.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a minimum of 25 hours across Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online and on-campus lectures and seminars. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Lent Term.
Formative coursework
One formative essay (2,000 words), one group presentation, and a mock examination.
Indicative reading
Bardach, Eugene (2009) A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis, Third Edition. Washington, DC: CQ Press.
Stone, D.A., (2002). Policy paradox: The art of political decision making, New York: Norton.
Scott, C. and Baehler, K. (2010) Adding Value to Policy Analysis and Advice, Sydney: University of New South Wales Press
Weimer, David L. and Vining, Aidan R. (2005) Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice, Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Assessment
Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Project (50%, 2500 words).
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 8.2 |
| Merit | 85.6 |
| Pass | 6.2 |
| Fail | 0 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2019/20: 35
Average class size 2019/20: 23
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills
