Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3089: Policy in Action

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level	6
Credits	30	ECTS Value	15
Term(s) and duration	This module ran during term 1 (11 weeks) and term 2 (11 weeks)
Academic staff	Dr Eva Thomann (Lecturer)
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
Available via distance learning	No

What makes policies work? Any policy is only as good as its implementation in practice. Combining Politics and Public Administration perspectives, this module first introduces you to implementation theory. We will then look at the diversity of policy practices in multilevel governance systems, using the European Union as a crucial example. Next, we will discuss how “Street-Level Bureaucrats”, such as the police or inspectors, implement policy in their daily interactions with citizens. Finally, we will examine how new modes of governance introduce a market logic into policy implementation.

The module will consist of a mix of lecture material, student presentations, discussions, and interactive elements (videos, role plays…). We will alternate lecture-style sessions introducing to each topic with sessions in which the students present example studies which we then discuss together (2 texts / presentations per session). In the beginning, you will have the opportunity to practice and get advice on your essay and presentation skills. Graded student presentations start later.

Module created	10/05/2017	Last revised