| Unit name | Policy Analysis |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0058 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Molina |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is the unit important?
This unit considers how public policy is more likely to be effective when it rests upon high quality policy analysis. Policy analysis can be broken down into several elements. These run from careful problem framing to effective communication of the nature of proposed policy responses to diverse audiences. Using the elements of the policy analysis process to provide its broad structure, you will explore key topics such as: problem framing; project work, including stakeholder management; the ethical dimensions to policy; policy design and instrument choice; impact assessment, including equalities issues; and thinking seriously about implementation. You will embed an understanding of the ways in which power and politics shapes the role and impact of policy analysis in the policy process through familiarising students with ex ante policy analytical techniques, tools and methods.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit is one of three mandatory units that you take in the first teaching block. The unit provides an opportunity for you to gain a strong understanding of common techniques used in policy formulation and development, requiring an understanding of relationship between policy analysis, power and politics and data collection and analysis techniques. You may identify a topic and analytical approach in the unit’s summative assessment that could be further explored in their Policy Analysis Capstone Project.
An overview of content:
You will focus on the contribution that policy analysis can make and aims to provide insights into some of the contingencies and practicalities that shape policy analysis and its influence on the policy process.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit:
You will develop a strong understanding of the elements of the policy analysis process. You will gain knowledge of a selection of key analytical techniques that can support the process of policy analysis. You will build an appreciation of the nature of policy work and the range of policy instruments available to address public policy problems and the effectiveness of those tools, as well as gaining an understanding of the importance of policy communication. You will become more confident in the ethical dimensions of policy work and aware ofthe context in which policy work occurs, with particular emphasis upon politics and power.
Learning outcomes:
This unit will be delivered using a mixture of interactive lectures and seminars. The seminars will be structured around small group exercises, guided by readings, focusing on practical and conceptual debates associated with policy analysis techniques, tools and methods. This will be supplemented by the use of an online discussion forum, and online quizzes to allow students to check their understanding of core ideas.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
A group recorded presentation/screencast. Your presentation will prepare you for the summative assignment with feedback on how you have analysed the policy process, the application of specific analytical techniques, communication strategies and effective stakeholder management. Overall, the presentation will enable you to demonstrate effective use of written and oral communication skills to redefine a policy problem and present an alternative framing and statement of the problem.
Tasks which count towards your unit marks (summative):
Policy Analysis Essay (3000 words maximum, 100%)
This assessment covers all of the intended learning outcomes.
When assessment does not go to plan
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, unsuccessful students may be offered an opportunity for reassessment. This will comprise a task of the same format as the original assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0058).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
