Course content

Complex and cross-sectoral societal challenges bring about modern organizational forms and changes in the development of policy. How the political and administrative systems of government is organized and formulates policy is central to the study of public policy and administration. Instruments and the effect of instruments is another central topic. With a comparative perspective the course looks at both political-administrative structures and policy analysis.

The course gives an advanced introduction to classical and modern literature in the field of public policy and administration, as well as theory and empirical data on implementation and evaluation of public policy. Empirical examples from relevant policy areas will be covered (such as health and welfare policy, agricultural and rural policy, immigration and integration policy).

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall have knowledge of:

• explanations of variations in policy formulations and tensions between different levels of government
• the development and principles within reform traditions
• modern forms of organization and governance
• policy design, instruments and implementation of public policy
• methods for the evaluation of public policy and public programs

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• analyze and evaluate aspects of public policy, management and administration in a comparative context
• discuss key challenges of the organization of public policy
• problematize similarities and variations in the formulation and implementation of policy across different levels of government, welfare states and political domains

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/group discussions for 4 hours per week throughout the semester. Supervision of term paper. If 6 or fewer students attend the course the two first weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision. Please contact the department for further information.

Compulsory assignments

• Present a literature review of a chosen topic
• Present a draft of the term paper and give comments on a fellow student's draft

Recommended previous knowledge

POL1002

Required previous knowledge

60 credits including SOS1002 or an equivalent course in research methods. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions