OVERVIEW

This course will discuss the basic concepts of policy analysis and evaluation, applying them to transnational issues. These issues will be addressed in terms of "collective problems" and "policies," "programs," and "interventions" aimed at defining objectives, developing change strategies, and assessing their degree of success.

The course is structured into three teaching units: the first, theoretical in nature, will introduce the main concepts of policy analysis and evaluation. The second will focus on specific areas of international policy, such as security, environment, trade, and health (subject to change each year). The third part will be seminar-based, where students will select topics, analyze the current state of an international collective problem, and design an effective and feasible policy intervention.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course applies a policy analysis perspective to supranational problems. The main objectives are: • Acquisition of concepts related to policy analysis and evaluation. • Ability to frame international issues as public policy problems. • Ability to identify collective action problems and design strategies for the political and institutional sustainability of international public policies.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will:

• Be able to identify different types of interests and understand how they influence supranational decision-making processes.
• Have a greater awareness of the role of "ideas" in the policy process, understood as "usable knowledge."
• Be able to analyze and evaluate the adequacy of institutions in relation to specific collective problems.
• Develop argumentative and communication skills in policy advocacy, typical of professionals such as analysts in intergovernmental organizations or think tanks.

PREREQUISITES

Good knowledge of social sciences' foundations.

Insterst for current affairs.

TEACHING METHODS

The first part of the course will consist of lectures aimed at presenting the main analytical tools. Subsequently, the lessons will take on a seminar format and may include class discussions on student-conducted research (individually or in groups), which may contribute to the final examination assessment.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided into four teaching units:

• UD1 – Policy Analysis.
• UD2 – International Public Policies: Empirical Cases.
• UD3 – Workshop.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For attending students, course materials will be provided by the instructor.

Non-attending students will prepare for the exam using the following texts:

• Belloni, R., Moschella, M., & Sicurelli, D. (2013). Le Organizzazioni Internazionali: struttura, funzioni e impatto. Il Mulino, Bologna.
• Poletti, A. (2022). Antiglobalismo: le radici politiche ed economiche. Il Mulino, Bologna.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 2026

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students, the exam will be written and will consist of open-ended questions. The written exam must be taken in the first available exam session after the end of the course. Students will have the opportunity to supplement their written exam grade with an oral assessment. Students who do not take the written exam in the first session will take an oral exam in subsequent sessions. Non-attending students will take an oral exam to assess their knowledge of the assigned materials.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam, both for attending and non-attending students, will evaluate the understanding of the concepts covered in the course, their critical discussion, and their application to contemporary political and social issues. Precision in language will be a criterion for evaluation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with DSA certification or other special educational needs are kindly requested to contact Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and teacher of this course in order to agree specific teaching and exam methods, if necessary.