Rationale
The course will introduce students to the complex process of public policy making. Students will get acquainted with the phases and variables that influence the policymaking process, with a focus on the role of conflicting interests and power. The course will cover topics such as the setting of the government’s agenda, budget cycle, formulation and limitations as well as the significance of policy evaluation and the key institutions in charge of the process.  Students will learn how to formulate and evaluate policy options while they develop substantial skills and techniques on how to tackle arising problems and issues in policy areas. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:

(i)    Outline the policymaking process.
(ii)   Explain methodologies on how to formulate and assess policies.
(iii)  Identify the key actors involved in policymaking, as well as the various factors that influence policymaking. 
(iv)  Discuss the roles, powers and interests of institutions and individuals in the process of making policy.
(v)   Discuss the politics of budget formulation and the different factors affecting it.
(vi)  Explain how to cope with and monitor challenges related to the formulation and implementation processes of public policymaking.
(vii) Identify differences in political systems and the contexts in which public policy operates.
(viii) Evaluate economic data, social data and statistics relating to public policies.
(ix)  Discuss contemporary arising public policy issues and debates.
(x)   Explain the importance and process of policy evaluation.
(xi)  Apply policy analysis of concepts and theories to ‘real world’ scenarios.