Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
SP20005 Power and policy: an introduction to critical policy analysis |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: Academically, the unit aims to provide a critical introduction to
* the theoretical understanding of the policy process with special emphasis given to social policy * the techniques and practice of policy analysis Pedagogically, the unit aims to * enhance the development of the students' interpersonal skills * develop skills relating to policy investigation and analysis. * provide the student with opportunities for collaborative learning. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, students should be able to understand and critically discuss: * the conceptualisation of policy as a process involving interrelated stages * the major macro-theoretical paradigms informing policy analysis * the relationship between policy process and different types of power * the determinants of policy making: actors, institutions, processes, resources and constrains * the major meso-theoretical perspectives on policy formulation, decision making and policy implementation * the types of policy evaluation and the techniques of policy analysis * the role of the policy analyst in the policy process. Skills: Intellectual skills * to think creatively and analytically. * to communicate an argument. * To evaluate others' arguments and research. * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.). * To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge. * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding. Professional and practical skills * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of sociological/social policy analysis within a variety of environments. * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others Transferable/Key skills * To develop study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing) * To develop basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information) * To develop inter-personal and communication skills * To develop essay research, preparation and writing skills * To construct a bibliography of varying complexity * To develop time-management and administrative skills * To develop presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contributions) * To develop team and group working skills * To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. * To understand career opportunities and challenges ahead and begin to plan a career path Content: Each lecture covers a topic, including: * Introduce theories of institutional continuity and change * The changing role of the state * The analytical value of the concept of governance * Introduction: conceptualising policy as a process * Conceptualising politics, Power and the State * Theories of power/State and critiques of State intervention * Actors, institutions, constraints and policy instruments * Agenda setting and policy determinants * Policy Formulation and policy subsystems * Models of Policy Decision-Making * Policy Implementation: theory and reality * Policy evaluation - the art and craft of policy analysis * Conclusion: the political role of the policy analyst In addition specific case studies will be introduced within the unit. |