| Course title | Policy Analysis |
| Course code | SociM009 |
| Credit points (ECTS) | 4 |
| Total Hours in Course | 108 |
| Number of hours for lectures | 16 |
| Number of hours for seminars and practical classes | 16 |
| Number of hours for laboratory classes | 0 |
| Independent study hours | 76 |
| Date of course confirmation | 12/03/2025 |
| Responsible Unit | Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities |
| Course developers | |
| Mg. paed., lekt. Baiba Miltoviča |
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| Prior knowledge | |
| PolZM001, Public Administration SociM004, Sociology of Governance |
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| Course abstract | |
| The aim of the study course is to deepen the understanding of master's students about the theoretical framework of policy analysis, to develop the ability to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge in the evaluation of current public policies. The lectures analyze the policy-making process and its participants, examine approaches to the decision-making process, and provide insight into the systematic analysis of sector policy problems. The study course develops students' skills in analyzing the political process and providing conceptual solutions. | |
| Learning outcomes and their assessment | |
| Knowledge. In-depth knowledge of the nature of policy analysis, the policy planning process, policy analysis approaches and the importance of policy evaluation in policy making (test).
Professional Skills. Ability to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to evaluate current public policies, describe how certain circumstances become problems, how they enter the political agenda, distinguish between different approaches to policy analysis, independently analyze the actual developments of the political process (practical work). Soft skills. Ability to responsibly plan and complete assigned tasks, demonstrates interpersonal, collaborative and organizational skills (practical work). Competence. Ability to create a study on the evaluation of a single sector policy decision, applying the steps of the policy process (study and its presentation during the exam). |
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| Course Content(Calendar) | |
| Full-time studies (16 hours):
1.Policy analysis framework. Analysis methods in the policy process. Differences between policy planning and analysis disciplines. (2 hours) 2.Policy analysis approaches. Policy impact assessment models. Structure and operation of the policy system. (1 hour) 3.Policy instruments. Types of policy instruments and their characteristics. Choice, suitability and selection of policy instruments. The relationship of a policy instrument between policy formulation and policy implementation. (1 hour) 4.The role of the state and power. Legitimacy of power. The role of power in the public policy process. (1 hour) 5.Participants in the policy-making process and their interaction. Basic principles of policy-making. Decision-making. Basic principles of decision-making. (1 hour) 6.Policy formulation. Agenda setting. Agenda setting and setting. Waste bin model. (2 hours) 7.Policy implementation and civil service. Top-down approach to policy implementation, Bottom-up approach to policy implementation. (2 hours) 8.Possibilities and limitations of policy implementation. Bureaucracy: concept and importance in the policy process. (2 hours) 9.Policy analysis and policy evaluation. Approaches to solving policy evaluation. (2 hours) 10.Political process and policy challenges in Latvia. (2 hours) Topics and content of practical work and seminars (16 hours): 1.The essence of policy analysis, the policy planning process, the importance of policy analysis approaches and policy evaluation in policy making. (2 hours) test 2.The institutional framework of public policy. Analysis and evaluation of sectoral policy decisions. (2 hours) 3.Evaluation of current public policies, describing how certain circumstances become problems, how they enter the political agenda. (2 hours) practical work 4.Political programs and their importance in the policy process. The role of political process participants in policy making and implementation. (2 hours) 5.Bureaucracy and civil service in the policy process. Formal regulation of the political process in Latvia. (2 hours) 6.Recent trends in policy analysis. (2 hours) 7.Policy problem document plan and its implementation. (2 hours) 8.Evaluation of one sectoral policy decision using the steps of the policy process. (2 hours) study Part-time distance learning: All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies. |
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| Requirements for awarding credit points | |
| Exam. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) The essence of policy analysis, the policy planning process and the importance of policy evaluation in policy making (test – 30%), 2) Current public policy evaluation (practical work – 30%), 3) Exam: a study on the evaluation of a single sector policy decision, applying the steps of the policy process (study and its presentation – 40%).
The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable. |
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| Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work | |
| Master's students study scientific literature to prepare for tests, independent work, and exams. | |
| Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes | |
| Students must prepare for and successfully pass the test (30%), successfully complete the practical work (30%), and complete the study within the allocated time (40%).
10% corresponds to one point on a 10-point assessment scale. |
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| Compulsory reading | |
| 1.Hogwood W.B, Gunn L.A. (1984) Policy analysis for the real world. Oxford University Press, p. 298
2.Easton D. (1957) An Approach to the Analysis of Political Systems. World Politics. Cambridge University Press, p. 383-400 3.Dunn W.N. (2018) Public Policy Analysis: An Integrated Approach, 6th Edition, New York: Routledge, p. 498. 4.Dye T.R. (2017) Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition, Florida: Pearson, p.365 5.Kelleher W. J. Back to the Future: How Understanding David Easton Can Give Guidance to the Caucus for a New Political Science. Academic Search Complete. Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=0c2ffde1-d945-3498-a475-fa45e257e309 6.Weible C.M., Sabatier P.A. (2018) Theories of the Policy Process. 4th Edition. New York: Routledge, p.416 |
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| Further reading | |
| 1.LR Pārresoru koordinācijas centrs. Politikas veidošanas rokasgrāmata. Rīga: 2016. Pieejams: https://www.pkc.gov.lv/sites/default/files/inline-files/pkc_rokasgramata_090316_web.pdf
2.Kļaviņa S., Klapkalne U., Pētersone B. Politikas ietekmes vērtēšana politikas veidošanas sistēmā. Valsts kanceleja. Rīga: 2005. Pieejams: http://petijumi.mk.gov.lv/sites/default/files/file/pol_ietekmes_vert.pdf 3.Valtenbergs V. Interneta politiskās komunikācijas nozīme atklātības un elektroniskās demokrātijas attīstībā. Rīga: 2010. Pieejams: https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/bitstream/handle/7/5210/37719-Visvaldis_Valtenbergs_2010.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 4.Valtenbergs V. (20023) Politikas plānošanas metodoloģija un pārskats. Vidzemes augstskola. Pieejams: https://providus.lv/article_files/923/original/politplan_litapsk.pdf?1326369320 5.Vorlander H. (2017) Īsi par demokrātiju. Rīga: Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka, 191 lpp. |
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| Periodicals and other sources | |
| 1.Ozoliņa Ž. zin. red. Latvijas Politologu biedrība. Periodika: Latvijas intereses Eiropas Savienībā. Rīga. Pieejams: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/lv/zurnals-latvijas-intereses-eiropas-savieniba
2.Journal of Public Policy, Periodicals: Cambridge University Press. Pieejams: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-public-policy |
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| Notes | |
| Restricted elective study course in the ESAF academic master’s study programme "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration" | |