Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL2102: Explaining Public Policies

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

The module helps you understand and explain why policies take the form they do. After the introductory lecture, the module is taught in five 2-week cycles; a theoretical framework will be introduced in the first week and then applied to an empirical setting in the second week through research-led teaching. The tutorials will mirror these lectures and will include student presentations based on the corresponding topics. In addition to encouraging students to think like policymakers, the module will provide links to employability and future career pathways such as the Civil Service, lobbying and policy advisor roles.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate understanding of the nature and evolution of core concepts regarding public policy
2. analyse policy problems through key conceptual lenses
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically assess the utility of different public policy-oriented theories and methods deployed in policy analysis
4. apply key theoretical tenants to concrete, empirical examples
Personal and Key Skills5. demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills (via PowerPoint presentations, course work and assessed essays)
6. successfully use IT for the retrieval and presentation of information