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PO2D0-30 Public Policy for 21st Century Challenges

Department
Politics & International Studies
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Margarita Gelepithis
Credit value
30
Module duration
22 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

TBC

Module aims

To introduce students to the analytical tools they need to understand continuity, change and cross-national variation in public policy.
To demonstrate the value of the comparative method in the analysis of public policy.
To provide students with a high-level understanding of the politics behind public policy-making.
To lay the foundations for empirically substantiated and critical evaluation of the actions of governments.
To give students the opportunity to apply theories of public policy and the comparative method to the analysis of contemporary public policy challenges.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Introduction to Comparative Public Policy
Week 2: The Value of Comparison in Public Policy Analysis
Week 3: Interests and Public Policy (I) Individuals
Week 4: Interests and Public Policy (II) Groups
Week 5: Ideas and Public Policy (I) Normative Beliefs
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Ideas and Public Policy (II) Causal Beliefs
Week 8: Institutions and Public Policy (I) Political Institutions
Week 9: Institutions and Public Policy (II) Past Policies
Week 10: Taking stock: Why do governments do what they do?
Introduction to the second part of the module
The Challenge of Inequality
The Challenge of Globalization
The Challenge of Population Ageing
The Environmental Challenge
Reading Week
Policy Responses to Inequality
Policy Responses to Globalization
Policy Responses to Population Ageing
Environmental Policy Responses

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • TBC

Subject specific skills

TBC

Transferable skills

Communication skills
Lateral thinking skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
Critical thinking
Analytical skills
Independent research skills
Problem solving
Time management
Information Technology
Skills in academic practice
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
Decision making

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 18 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Seminars 22 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Private study 260 hours (87%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

TBC

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
3000 word essay 2 50% Yes (extension)

assessed essay

3000 word essay 1 50% Yes (extension)

assessed essay

Feedback on assessment

Feedback form via Tabula; optional verbal consultation

Courses

This module is Core optional for:

  • Year 2 of UPOA-M100 Undergraduate Politics

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 2 of UECA-LM1D Undergraduate Economics, Politics and International Studies
  • Year 2 of UPOA-M100 Undergraduate Politics
  • Year 2 of UPOA-M16A Undergraduate Politics and International Studies
  • Year 2 of UPOA-M169 Undergraduate Politics and International Studies with Chinese (3 year)

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 2 of UPOA-M168 Undergraduate Politics and International Studies with Chinese
  • Year 2 of UPOA-ML13 Undergraduate Politics and Sociology
  • UPOA-M163 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and French
    • Year 2 of M163 Politics, International Studies and French
    • Year 3 of M163 Politics, International Studies and French
  • UPOA-M164 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and German
    • Year 2 of M164 Politics, International Studies and German
    • Year 3 of M164 Politics, International Studies and German
  • UPOA-M166 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and Hispanic Studies
    • Year 2 of M166 Politics, International Studies and Hispanic Studies
    • Year 3 of M166 Politics, International Studies and Hispanic Studies
  • UPOA-M165 Undergraduate Politics, International Studies and Italian
    • Year 2 of M165 Politics, International Studies and Italian
    • Year 3 of M165 Politics, International Studies and Italian

This module is Option list C for:

  • Year 2 of UHIA-VM11 Undergraduate History and Politics