GV4E9
Approaches and Issues in Public Policy and Administration
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Edward Page, Dr Daniel Berliner and Dr Charlotte Haberstroh
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Public Administration and Government (LSE and Peking University) and MSc in Public Policy and Administration. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 30 September 2020.
Course content
The course is designed to introduce MSc students to major issues in understanding public administration and policy. Students will be divided into three to four classes depending on the number of students taking the course. 18 of the lectures will reflect the topics to be covered in the weekly classes (18 plus 1 revision class) addressing key themes in Public Policy and Public Administration. Some of the lectures may be given by other colleagues teaching on the MSc degree as well as by outside speakers. 2 lectures and classes will cover dissertation writing (for GV499) in the field of public policy and administration.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer Terms. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online and on-campus lectures and seminars. This course includes reading weeks in Week 6 of both the MT and LT terms.
Formative coursework
Two formative essays, one in the Michaelmas Term and one in the Lent Term.
Indicative reading
Paul Cairney (2012) Understanding Public Policy; Merilee Grindle (2012) Jobs for the Boys; B Guy Peters (2018) Politics of Bureaucracy (7th edn); David L Weimer and Aidan R Vining (2016) Policy analysis: Concepts and practice; Steve Balla, Martin Lodge and Edward C Page (eds)(2015) Oxford Handbook on the Classics of Public Policy.
Assessment
Exam (75%, duration: 3 hours) in the summer exam period.
Essay (25%, 3000 words) in the LT.
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 24.6 |
| Merit | 61.3 |
| Pass | 14.1 |
| Fail | 0 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2019/20: 63
Average class size 2019/20: 21
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
