Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - POL 451 D100

Public Policy Analysis (4)

Class Number: 2005

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 17, 2026
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 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 451W may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

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 illuminate the relationship between policy and politics in government.

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 be improved.

Grading

  • Class participation and discussion 30%
  • Take-home mid-term test 20%
  • Final exam 50%

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.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.