Course code PolZ4004
Credit points 4.50
Public Policy
Total Hours in Course120
Number of hours for lectures16
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32
Date of course confirmation22.03.2011
Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities
Course developers
Voldemārs Bariss
Dr. phil.
Andis Kursītis
Mg. sc. soc.
Course abstract
Study course introduces students to the policy planning concept, principles and methods. Different types of policy planning systems are reviewed, especially highlighting the Latvian approach. The course also develops students’ policy planning skills. During the course students acquire general skills in policy planning and sectoral, cross-sectoral and regional development perspective. Students will be able to analyze and develop definite action policy documents.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
After completing the course student will have:
• knowledge - government action, normative documents preparation in Latvia, policy planning, policy formation, implementation and evaluation
• skills - understand the processes of society and decision-making according to changing circumstances. Propose solutions, assess their impact on national and sectoral development. Understand the policies and processes in order to assess their impact on the development of the sector. Manage the administration of existing decision-making system, responsibilities and reporting requirements and generally accepted procedures. Practical skills in the preparation of planning documents
• competences: make sector policies, develop appropriate policy and regulatory documents, coordinate the implementation of this policy. Participate in a new sectors and local government concepts, strategies and development programs and guidelines, to make the "ex-ante" assessment.
Compulsory reading
1. Bariss V. Publiskā administrācija: mācību grāmata. Jelgava: LLU, 2009., 111 lpp.
2. Vēbers M. Politika kā profesija. Rīga: AGB, 2002., 136 lpp.
3. Polits K., Bukerts G. Sabiedrības vadības reforma. Salīdzinošā analīze. Rīga: ĪUMVRLS, 2002., 350 lpp.
4. Politikas ietekmes vērtēšana politikas veidošanas sistēmā. Rīga: Valsts kanceleja, 2005., 80 lpp.
Further reading
1. Burton P. Modernising the Policy Process. Rutlege, 2006., 215 lpp.
2. Leiks N. Stratēģiskā plānošana: Rīga, Multineo, 2008., 248 lpp.
3. "Par Valsts pārvaldes politikas attīstības pamatnostādnēm 2008.–2013.gadam" [tiešsaiste]. MK rīkojums Nr.305 ("LV", 87 (3871), 05.06.2008.) Stājas spēkā 03.06.2008. Ar grozījumiem. [Skatīts 07.06..2011.]. Pieejams: http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=176343
Periodicals and other sources
1. Evaluation. 2006 -2010, ISSN: 1356–3890.
2. Policy Analysis. 2004-2010. ISSN: 0098-2067.
3. The Economist. Journal of Public Relations Research. 2008 - 2011. ISSN 1062- 726X.