This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Edward Page
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics, BSc in Government, BSc in Government and Economics, BSc in Government and History, BSc in International Social and Public Policy with Politics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics, BSc in Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics and History, BSc in Politics and International Relations, BSc in Politics and Philosophy and BSc in Social Policy with Government. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
GV101 Introduction to Political Science (or equivalent).
Course content
A systematic examination of the policy process in the context of developed nations. This course introduces key theories and models in the study of public policy and encourages a critical appreciation of the main trends in contemporary public policy-making. The course looks at the different stages of the 'policy cycle' (e.g. agenda-setting, implementation and evaluation), the determinants of public policy (for example, public opinion, political parties, technology) as well as central themes in the study and practice of public policy, such as corruption and policy learning.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer Terms. Some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online and on-campus lectures and classes. There will be reading weeks in Week 6 of MT and LT.
Indicative reading
Frank R Baumgartner and Christian Breunig (eds) Comparative Policy Agendas, Oxford University Press, 2019; Hal Colebatch and Robert Hoppe Handbook on Policy, Process and Governing Edward Elgar 2018; P Cairney, Understanding Public Policy. Theories and Issues, Palgrave, 2012; BW Hogwood & A L Gunn, Policy Analysis for the Real World, Oxford University Press, 1984; J W Kingdon, Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policies (2nd edn), HarperCollins, New York 1995.
Assessment
Exam (75%, duration: 3 hours) in the summer exam period.
Essay (25%, 2500 words) in the LT.
GENERAL COURSE STUDENTS ONLY:
The Class Summary Grade for General Course students will be calculated as follows:25% attendance, 37.5% formative essay (best essay), 37.5% participation
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2019/20: 58
Average class size 2019/20: 15
Capped 2019/20: No
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
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.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 36.8 |
| 2:1 | 58.9 |
| 2:2 | 3.2 |
| Third | 0 |
| Fail | 1.1 |