Summer Timetable

POL317H1F L0101

Comparative Public Policy

Themes

The course introduces students to the conceptual and theoretical tools of the comparative public policy subfield. Existing at the intersection of comparative politics and policy studies, comparative public policy is a rigorous, theory-intensive area of study. The format of the course is part lecture-based and part discussion-based. The first five weeks of the course are dedicated to establishing the analytical foundation required to effectively study comparative public policy. Given the importance of a strong analytical foundation, Part I of the course is more instruction-intensive than subsequent weeks. In Part I of the course, the instructor will provide students with simple, engaging, plain-language explanation of concepts and tools used in the study of comparative public policy. Part II of the course is more discussion-based and centres on the critical evaluation of dominant theories of the policy process. Learning outcomes for each class will be facilitated by weekly discussion questions.

Texts

Required text: Kenneth A. Shepsle. (2010). Analyzing politics, 2nd ed. New York: Norton

Format and Requirements

Evaluation will be based on four criteria: a mid-term examination in the sixth week of the class on the material covered in Part I (25%); a major paper, due in the last week of class (40%); an outline and annotated bibliography for the term paper, due prior to the course drop date (15%); attendance and participation (20%).

Prerequisites

1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses

Exclusions