The course introduces the fundamental concepts in the analysis and evaluation of public policies. Lessons will alternate theoretical reflections on policy analysis and empirical concerns about public policies. The course has the main aim to improve students' capability in application of the theoretical tools learned. The teaching (ssd - SPS / 04) belongs to the training activities characterizing the study course and it is entrusted to an adjunct professor.
The course offers a critical view of the theoretical, epistemological and methodological assumptions of public policy analysis. The course embraces a perspective that assumes policies as problem solving activities and, in this sense, will critically discuss the interaction between power and knowledge within decision making processes and their role as mechanisms of policy change.
At the end of the course the students are expected to acquire:
The course will alternate lectures with seminars. The active participation of students is a characterizing element and, compatibly with the number of participants, students will be asked to present and discuss original case studies.
The course is organised into four Didactic Units (UD):
UD1 – Policy analysis: Basic concepts
UD2 – Agency in policy analysis
UD3 – Policy instruments
UD4 – Policy change
Attending students
Dente B. (2011), Le decisioni di policy, il Mulino, Bologna
Additional readings will be assigned by the lecturer.
Non attending students
Busetti S. e Dente B. (2018) EXPOst. Le conseguenze di un grande evento, il Mulino, Bologna.
Suggested reading for all students
Hirschman, A. O. (1991). The rhetoric of reaction. Harvard University Press. (Ed. it. Retoriche dell’intransigenza, il Mulino, Bologna).
MARCO DI GIULIO (President)
GIAMPIERO CAMA
FABRIZIO COTICCHIA
STELLA GIANFREDA
MARA MORINI
The exam will be held orally. For attending students, it will be based on the individual work agreed with the teacher
The exam includes evaluation of the theoretica and empirical topics discussed during the course and presented in textbooks. The individual presentation is aimed for verify the actual expected learning outcomes related to: 1) public policy analysis within political and social context, actors involved and inter-institutional relations; 2) evaluate policies by using indicators, theoretical and technical tools provided during the lessons.
