| Unit name | Power, Politics and the Policy Process (PPA) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0065 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Ayres |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit explores the whole process of public policy beginning from the big picture of the global economy through the complex issues of which policies are chosen for inclusion on the political agenda and the role of individuals in shaping policy design. The concept of political power influences every stage of the policy process and forms a central strand running through the entire course.
The unit introduces students to the main theories that seek to explain the nature of policy making and debates these in light of contemporary issues about the nature, scope and effectiveness of policy in modern societies.
This unit has three main aims:
On completion of the unit students should:
The unit will be delivered through a combination of asynchronous content for students to engage with and complete in their own time, and synchronous (live) online seminar sessions in which students will work in small groups to discuss key topics and complete prepared exercises.
Asynchronous content will present students with course materials related to weekly topics, and will be in the form of recorded presentations, as well as key readings, infographics, notes, video materials and/or self-directed exercises.
One hour per week synchronous (live) seminar sessions will give students the opportunity to develop their ideas in collaboration with other students in the programme. Students may be asked to work in small groups in seminars or in preparation for seminar activities such as group presentations.
1,000 word written assignment (20%) in which students apply Agenda Setting theoretical insights to interpret and analyse a recent topic.
This assessment covers ILO 2.
3,000 word written essay (80%) in which students should demonstrate an understanding of relevant theories and modes of policy making, and a familiarity with contemporary policy debates and different approaches to policy making.
This assessment covers ILOs 1-3.
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. SPOLM0065).
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.
