The Politics of Policymaking

Course goals

After this course, the student will:

1. have knowledge about the role of various actors in policy-making processes in contemporary democracies
2. have knowledge about various institutions’ impact on policy-making processes in contemporary democracies
3. be able to systematically apply political science and governance theories to real-world political phenomena
4. develop their academic and analytical skills
5. develop their ability to take political science and governance disciplinary perspective on political-economic institutions
6. develop their communication skills by presenting research findings 
7. reflect on their attitude towards responsible citizenship in a democracy
8. gain a basic understanding of an interdisciplinary approach

Content

The politics of policy-making will show that public policy processes often involves both expert knowledge and political idea(l)s. On the one hand, actors seek to contribute toward effectively achieving policy goals. On the other hand, actors also struggle to attain power to achieve their ideals and protect their interests. 

The central objective of this course is to equip students with the knowledge to analyze policy-making processes in contemporary democracies. A democratic vote in parliament is an essential moment in the process, but this public decision is a ‘cog’ in the policy-making ‘machinery’ of modern democracies. From the news media deciding what to broadcast to the case worker at a poverty center deciding on individual welfare benefits, each of these actors shape public policies. Students will gain a greater appreciation of the impact various actors can make on public policies.

The course is broadly structured around the analytical framework of the policy cycle. 

Additional information

Please note: the time slot shown here is not yet final and may still be modified until the 3rd Wednesday in September.