| Unit name | Understanding Public Policy |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL20026 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sweeting |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the study of the public policy process, reform and outcomes. The unit will provide students with an overview of the policy making process, of how policy is made and implemented, and how public services are delivered and financed. The unit considers different theoretical models of and approaches to understanding public service reform and the underlying policy process, and the significance of key debates including the nature of power and governance. The unit examines key elements of recent public service reform, including choice, competition, targets and league tables, and explores how economics has influenced thinking in this area. The unit puts these issues in the context of current government policies for public service reform.
Unit aims:
By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
• Recognise different approaches to understanding the policy process;
• Articulate contemporary debates pertaining to the nature of policy making;
• Give an account of the way in which the organisation, delivery and finance of public services have been changing during the last three decades and explain the thinking behind these changes
Teaching will comprise blended learning involving a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, including weekly lectures delivered through narrated power point presentations, study group sessions, and self-directed learning exercises.
Part 1: Policy brief (1000 words) 25%
Part 2: Essay (2000 words) 75%
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOL20026).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
