Public Policy

Course content

The aim of this course is to introduce you to the literature on Public Policy and to help you to develop a refined approach to the working of the government. In other words, we are interested in the state at work. The course, first, justifies the need to study public policy and gives a broader overview of what the terms ´policy process´ and ´policy analysis´ stand for. In doing so, it also concentrates on existing theories of the policy process. Next, we will have a closer look at the policy-making and formation process. In particular, we will examine the question of who makes public policy, the patterns of participation to policy-making, as well as the role played by institutions in this process, as facilitators or obstacles. Finally, we will discuss the instruments of public policy adopted by the government during the policy process. Especially, ´regulation´ and ´fiscal instruments´ of public policy