Comparative and International Public Policy
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is an introduction to the study of comparative public policy analysis. It aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of the processes of policy change, and governance reforms. It covers the major concepts and theories of public policy and explores how to combine their insights when seeking to explain the policy process, the interests of actors and decision-makers.
Expected learning outcomes
-Knowledge and understanding of the political processes of democratic reform and the cycle of public policies (policy cycle and policy making).
-Ability to understand and critically evaluate the functioning of the main political institutions and their role in the policy making process (governments, parliaments, public administration).
-Application of knowledge and understanding of the political science tools to some cases of policy-making in specific policy sectors and areas (health care and education)
-Effective presentation and articulation of ideas through class presentations, discussion groups,and other training activities as required by the course teachers.
-Ability to understand and critically evaluate the functioning of the main political institutions and their role in the policy making process (governments, parliaments, public administration).
-Application of knowledge and understanding of the political science tools to some cases of policy-making in specific policy sectors and areas (health care and education)
-Effective presentation and articulation of ideas through class presentations, discussion groups,and other training activities as required by the course teachers.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
Theories and main approaches to public policies (Multiple Stream Approach, Advocacy Coalition Framework, Punctuated Equilibrium)
Policy narratives and framing
Policy learning and role of experts
School systems in Europe in a comparative perspective (institutions, reforms, actors)
Administration and management reforms
Evaluation of school and environmental public policies
Policy implementation and governance
Policy lesson drawing and policy transfer
Policy narratives and framing
Policy learning and role of experts
School systems in Europe in a comparative perspective (institutions, reforms, actors)
Administration and management reforms
Evaluation of school and environmental public policies
Policy implementation and governance
Policy lesson drawing and policy transfer
Teaching methods
The course is taught by lectures, class discussions, small group discussions, student presentations.
The course will be taught entirely in English (the lessons will be in English). The slides will be in English.
Attendance is compulsory for attending students. Attending students are required to attend 80% of lessons and seminars.
The course will be taught entirely in English (the lessons will be in English). The slides will be in English.
Attendance is compulsory for attending students. Attending students are required to attend 80% of lessons and seminars.
Teaching Resources
The basic texts that make up the compulsory reading are:
Cairney, P., 2020, Understanding Public Policy. Theories and Issues. Palgrave Macmillan.
Caramani, D. (Ed.), 2025, Comparative Politics, 5th edition, Oxford University Press.
Cairney, P., 2020, Understanding Public Policy. Theories and Issues. Palgrave Macmillan.
Caramani, D. (Ed.), 2025, Comparative Politics, 5th edition, Oxford University Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The elements that contribute to the final grade for attending students are:
Intermediate essay (essay in English) approx. 2,000 words (30%);
An individual presentation on a topic of choice related to the course materials (Voluntary - up to max. 3 points);
Final written exam on all course materials which requires you to demonstrate the skills acquired by answering open questions (70%). Test in English.
Intermediate essay (essay in English) approx. 2,000 words (30%);
An individual presentation on a topic of choice related to the course materials (Voluntary - up to max. 3 points);
Final written exam on all course materials which requires you to demonstrate the skills acquired by answering open questions (70%). Test in English.
SPS/04 - POLITICAL SCIENCE - University credits: 12
Lessons: 80 hours
Professors:
Kyriazi Anna, Mattei Paola
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesdays from 14:30-16:30 and Thursdays from 10:30 until 11:30 (during Term times)