Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - POL 451W D100

Public Policy Analysis (4)

Class Number: 5578

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 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.

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 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.

Grading

  • Completion of weekly learning reflection linking policy studies concepts to 'Yes, Minister' plot episodes 30%
  • Take-home mid-term test 20%
  • Policy case study memo 20%
  • Final learning synthesis 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.


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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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