Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - POL 451W D100

Public Policy Analysis (4)

Class Number: 7741

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the conceptual, philosophical and practical aspects of public policy analysis as it is conducted in government, universities, interest groups and policy research institutes. Specific attention is paid to the question of the role of policy research in the process of public policy making and the design of government programs and services. Students with credit for POL 451 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will explore conceptual and practical insights into public policy development.  After considering different perspectives for explaining what goes on during policy making, students will examine selected economic and social policy cases.  The relative influence of political ideas, interests, and institutions will be assessed.  Episodes of the BBC series Yes, Minister will be used to explore the relationship between policy and politics.  

After taking this course, students will have a better understanding of how politics influences public policy in Canada and visa versa.  They will also gain knowledge of what makes for more effective policy analysis and public sector decision-making.

There will be a four-hour lecture/presentation per week.

Grading

  • (Co) facilitation of class discussion about ‘Yes, Minister’ episode 10%
  • Mid-term test 20%
  • Policy case study memo 25%
  • 5 learning reflection papers @5% 25%
  • Policy learning synthesis paper 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Michael Howlett, M. Ramesh and Anthony Perl, Studying Public Policy: Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems, 3rd edition (Oxford University Press, 2009). 
ISBN: 978-0195428025

Other required readings include scholarly articles and policy documents that will be identified in the syllabus.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS