Unit information: Governance and the Changing Institutional Framework in 2013/14

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Unit name Governance and the Changing Institutional Framework
Unit code SPOLD2027
Credit points 20
Level of study D/8
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Professor. Kennett
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department School for Policy Studies
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The state is increasingly involved in a complex, multiple and overlapping network of interactions which are embedded in an increasingly transnational society and economy. This unit will analyse the changing role of the state in making and delivery of public policy and consider whether the concept of governance provides an appropriate theoretical framework for interpreting the emerging relationship between the state, institutional dynamics of and the range of terrains and actors involved in the processes of policy making and implementation. It will focus on identifying new or emerging types of relationships between institutions and the implications for public policy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a theoretically informed understanding of the relationship between governance, the global political economy and the transnational policy arena;
  • Develop a critical understanding of the range of actors and institutions which comprise the global political economy, as well as the nature, dynamics and power relations of their interaction;
  • Develop a critical understanding of the implications for the policy process and policy making and the ability to apply this to their own work
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the implications for different parts of the world and different groups of people.

Teaching Information

The unit will comprise of weekly lectures, class discussions and student presentations.

Assessment Information

Students at doctoral level will be required to prepare a 4,000 word written assignment.

Reading and References

  • Caporaso, J. A. and Madeira. M.A. (2012) Globalization, Institutions & Governance Sage: London.
  • Kennett, P. (2008) Governance, globalization and public policy Edward Elgar Publishing.
  • Held, D. and McGrew, A. (2002) Governing globalization and public policy Oxford: Polity Press.
  • Wilkinson, R. and Hughes, S. (2002) (eds) Global Governance: critical perspectives London: Routledge
  • Powell, F. (2007) The Politics of Civil Society: Neoliberalism or Social Left Bristol: The Policy Press.

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