Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - POL 451W D100

Public Policy Analysis (4)

Class Number: 7194

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Office:  closed for pandemic                             

Office Hours:  online by appointment (send e-mail to aperl@sfu.ca)

Seminar Time: Mondays, 2:30 - 5:20 p.m. (online – synchronous)

Room: Zoom

Credit Hours: 4

Course Overview

This course will explore conceptual and practical perspectives on public policy development.  After considering different approaches to explaining what goes on during policy making, students will examine selected 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 how policy analysis and public sector decision-making could become more effective.

Course Learning Platform

Course delivery will rely on both Canvas and Zoom in ways that will be detailed in the syllabus and discussed at the first meeting.

Course Organization

There will be one synchronous three-hour online session each week.  Students will work in discussion groups for part of that time to develop shared resources on the course readings and Yes, Minister plot analyses.

Grading

  • Completion of weekly analytical template on readings and "Yes, Minister" plot episodes 30%
  • At home mid-term test 20%
  • Policy case study memo 20%
  • Final learning reflection essay 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Michael Howlett, M. Ramesh and Anthony Perl, Studying Public Policy: Principles and Processes, 4th edition (Oxford University Press Canada, 2020).


ISBN: 978-0199026142

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).