Public Policy and Governance

22M1130

Master

English

5.0

only winterterm

1 semester

This module covers the basics of global governance and the associated negotiation processes in the area of tension between states, markets, and societies. Students explore public policy from a broad perspective, enabling them to identify, classify, and explain different modes of governance.

The module addresses current challenges of governance, focusing on transnational and global dynamics. In the process, both regional contexts and specific temporal phenomena play a key role. These phenomena are discussed in the broader context and using the example of current political conflicts and problematic situations (e.g. refugee movements, COVID-19). The module covers not only the actor dimension (political authorities, private actors and stakeholders, public-private partnerships, networks of experts, non-governmental organizations), but also institutional frameworks that contribute to the understanding of public policy and governance. Participants learn about examples of transnational and global policy from the past, and apply insights from theory and practical examples to analyze current phenomena. In this context, students also explore how certain forms of political and legal intervention, the design of policy instruments, and also (new) decision-making procedures emerge, persist, or change, and the role that (international) organizations and states play in the process.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Homework / Assignment or
• Presentation or
• Portfolio exam

The portfolio exam for the “Public policy and governance” module is worth a total of 100 points and consists of a presentation (PR) and a one-hour written exam (K1). The PR is weighted with 40 points and the K1 with 60 points.

Written assignment: approx. 6.000 words

Presentation: approx. 30 minutes with a discussion

Presentation as part of the portfolio exam: approx. 30 minutes

Written exam as part of the portfolio exam: see applicable study regulations 

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

• Extensive knowledge of cross-policy area and specific processes of policy development (politics, policies) and their implementation
• An overview of actors, networks of actors, constellations, and decision-making processes as well as of policy instruments (typology) and their further development
• The ability to independently develop specific case studies on (current) individual policies, taking into account stakeholder, participant, and target groups
• The ability to classify and critically reflect on transnational and global policies in relation to (current) development cooperation issues

Students who have successfully completed this module are able to systematically identify the key elements of policy making, and to analyze them in the context of specific policy phenomena in development cooperation. They have knowledge of the theoretical background, and are able to classify the empirical challenges. They are familiar with current issues in public policy, and have learned to analyze these issues based on a theoretical/conceptual framework.

Students have a detailed knowledge and understanding of current issues in public policy, and are able to apply methods to analyse policy and governance problems.

Students apply various methods of public policy analysis in such a way that they can develop and use them as job-related skills, abilities, and techniques, enabling them to solve job-related tasks.

Students integrate their new knowledge of concepts and theories of policy research so as to apply it effectively to specific policy issues of social relevance. Students’ analysis of an illustrative example of their choice highlights the potential of using social science knowledge to gain a better understanding of problems and challenges on the one hand, and to find new ways of solving them on the other.

Students gain the skills required to independently acquire new knowledge, and to link this knowledge to theoretical and conceptual foundations, developing innovative ideas in the process. At the same time, the module gives students the opportunity to challenge and classify their own scientific perspective as part of a team, and to collaborate in developing an innovative explanatory model.

The options available for various types of teaching in the module enable students to hone their communication and collaboration skills. This involves the independent in-depth development of content, which can then be used in communicative processes and in collaboration with other students to create new solution processes.

Students develop the scientific understanding needed to act as policy researchers. This enables them to sharpen their scientific profile and enhance their professionalism: the idea is for students to focus on a problem and to solve it by taking a systematic approach. This helps them to develop the professionalism and skills needed in their future careers.

This module is related to the modules of the specialisation Development Cooperation.

• Management in Nonprofit-Organisations M.A. (01.09.2024)

• Loer, Kathrin

• Loer, Kathrin