2022/2023
Comparative Social Policy Analysis
Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'
Type:
Mago-Lego
Delivered by:
School of Politics and Governance
When:
3, 4 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Social policy is an important field of contemporary state activities related to the welfare state and social services offered to its citizens. In different administrative systems the scope of social policy may differ in particular aspect or components, but the general principle in the core is the same – it focuses on the social problems a society faces through identification and thorough analysis of the causes and consequences of such problems, the influence of different factors (social, political, administrative, economic, etc.) on the dynamics of such challenges, opportunities and limitations for political and administrative reaction to them, and potential efficiency of various policy solutions available to the policy-makers dealing with such social issues. The course is supposed to provide comparative analytical framework for consideration of social policies around the globe and introduce students to the diversity and key components of most typical social policies implemented by most governments. In addition, the students are supposed to get experience of policy papers preparation.
Learning Objectives
- To provide students with thorough understanding of the social policy concept and its main components
- To develop students competencies of comparative analysis methodology
- To provide students with knowledge of up-to-date experience of social policy implementation around the world
- To provide students with detailed comparative analysis of possible policy solutions for specific social policies in Russia and abroad in different cultural, political, social, and economic settings
- To provide the competencies necessary for effective and rational participation in development and implementation of social policy
Expected Learning Outcomes
- The students will acquire the skills necessary for professional participation in analyzing social challenges, developing elements of social policy, planning the implementation of social policy, and analytical documents writing skills (papers, reports, and memos) in several areas of social policy.
- The students will be able to conduct comparative analysis of social issues and social policy in different environments.
- The students will know the theory of social policy, the international experience of solving certain social problems, the specific features of the main field of social policy
Course Contents
- Introduction in public policy analysis
- Comparing across nations: quantitative vs qualitative methods, comparative approach and methods
- Contemporary social policy
- Restructuring Welfare states
- Welfare states around the world
- Measuring social policy
- Social policy and social services
- Health and family policies
- Comparative education policy
- Students' policy papers: presenting and discussing
Assessment Elements
- ParticipationStudents are supposed to actively participate in class discussions, share the results of their individual research on particular aspects of a chosen policy, ask questions to classmates, engage in group work, present the results of the group work.
- HomeworkThe assignments are adapted from Morse, Kristin; Struyk, Raymond J. 2006. Policy Analysis for Effective Development: Strengthening Transition Economies. Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc. #1 “Stakeholder Analysis” – Pages 52-54. #2 “Monitoring and Evaluating Programs” – Pages 229-234. #3 “Policy Alternatives Evaluation” – Pages 378 and 19-21.
- Presentation of policy paper
- Policy paperA student is supposed to make a presentation of the policy paper and then provide answers to the questions on the policy paper asked by the professor and the peers.
Interim Assessment
- 2022/2023 4th module0.3 * Presentation of policy paper + 0.2 * Homework + 0.3 * Policy paper + 0.2 * Participation
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Mariely López-Santana. (2015). New Governance of Welfare States in the United States and Europe, The : Between Decentralization and Centralization in the Activation Era. SUNY Press.
- Policy Analysis, A Practical Introduction, David Bromell, Springer Cham, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024, 978-3-031-55364-6, published: 08 April 2024
- Thissen, W. A. H., & Walker, W. E. (2013). Public Policy Analysis : New Developments. New York: Springer.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- The Politics of Policy Analysis, Paul Cairney, Palgrave Macmillan Cham, The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021, 978-3-030-66122-9, published: 10 February 2021
- Yakunin V.I. - The Role of Infrastructure Projects in Public Policy. Lecture Series - 978-5-392-33669-2 - Проспект - 2021 - http://ebs.prospekt.org/book/43964 - 43964 - PROSPECT
- Аверин А.В. - Enhancing the effectiveness of regional economic policy in the field of support and development of small businesses - 978-5-16-017374-0 - НИЦ ИНФРА-М - 2022 - https://znanium.ru/catalog/document?id=395136 - 395136 - ZNANIUM