Governing Societies 1: A Public Policy Perspective - JSB724

• Title: Governing Societies 1: A Public Policy Perspective
• Guaranteed by: Department of Public and Social Policy (23-KVSP)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2023
• Semester: summer
• E-Credits: 7
• Examination process: summer s.:
• Hours per week, examination: summer s.:1/1, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: unlimited / unlimited (15)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment
• Guarantor: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D.
• Class: Courses for incoming students

Annotation

Last update: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D. (30.01.2023)

The course introduces students to the study of public policy as a scientific discipline and problem solving practice, within a broader context of the governance of contemporary societies. The lectures will provide an overview of the main perspectives and key concepts of the public policy cycle. In seminars, these concepts will be applied to selected issues of contemporary societies. The students will thus learn how to understand the governance of societal problems through the lens of public and social policy.

Aim of the course

Last update: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D. (30.01.2023)

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

The main aim is to exemplify public policy practical application and the ways public policy attempts to apprehend social problems and devise solutions thereof. Particular objectives are to engage students in critical thinking and studying, systematic work with scholarly literature, actively participating in lectures and seminars, and writing scholarly texts. Students will be able to apply selected public policy concepts in order to understand particular societal problems and discuss possible solutions.

Course completion requirements

Last update: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D. (30.01.2023)

Activity / Outputs
Presentation (10 minutes): 20 points max.
Moodle homeworks: max. 4 points each; total 20 points max.
Term paper: 60 points max.
Total: 100 points max.

Grade: points range
A – excellent: 91 – 100
B – very good: 81 – 90
C – good: 71 – 80
D – satisfactory: 61 – 70
E – sufficient: 51 – 60
F – insufficient/failed: 0 – 50

Literature

Last update: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D. (30.01.2024)

Obligatory reading:
Wu, X., Howlett, M., & Fritzen, S. (Ed.). (2018). The public policy primer: managing the policy process. London ; New York: Routledge.
Topical texts to each studied case will be determined ad hoc for particular issues.

Recommended reading:
Paul Cairney (2011) Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues. Palgrave.
Peter John (2012) Analyzing Public Policy. Routledge.

Teaching methods

Last update: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D. (30.01.2024)

Classes are held in person. 

Syllabus

Last update: Mirna Jusić, M.A., Ph.D. (30.01.2024)

Week 1: Public policy as scientific discipline and problem solving practice (MJ)
Week 2-3: Agenda-setting: How disasters impact government agendas (MJ)
Week 4-5: Policy formulation: The social dimension of Europe (MJ)
Week 6-7: Decision-making: New Green Deal for Europe (MJ)
Week 8-9: Policy implementation: Challenges in implementing policy responses during the COVID-19 pandemic  (MJ)
Week 10-11: Policy evaluation: How effective are health warnings on cigarette packages? (MN)
Week 12: Integrated public policy perspective (MN)