Introduction to Public Policy is a multidisciplinary subject, and draws on theories from sociology, Political Science and Economics. Public policies are formulated in conformity with the constitution, laws and regulations of the country. Once public policy is formulated, it moves into the realm of implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Policy analysis is a complex process intended to ascertain its strengths and weaknesses or success and failure. It may need changes and adjustment to remove flaws in the policy in order to ensure successful attainment of goals. Social and Public policies impinge on many aspects of our lives. The course aims to deepen your understanding of contemporary social issues and problems. The course will give an opportunity to examine different public policies and perspectives, and the impact these policies have on social conditions and problems. This course is designed to help students who intend to pursue a future career in academic, public and nonprofit sectors. By introducing students to contemporary issues and challenges in social policy, it will expose them to the working of the government, local and foreign NGOs, international aid agencies and private providers of social services. Course is divded into eight units. Each unit will be covered in two lectures(three hours each). Altogether 16 lectures will be delivered to cover the approved course content. Additional Unit nine is dedicated to discuss curent issues in public policy.

Assesment Criteria:

Students are required to write a policy analysis paper that demand students to research an issue of public concern. It can be an issue of ongoing political debate or an issue that has not yet gained the attention of policy makers. They are expected to define the problem or issue at hand, describes its background and provides a balanced assessment of options that policy makers could pursue to resolve the problem. The paper should conclude with a recommended course of action for policy makers.

Distribution of Marks:

Policy Paper:  50

Sessional Marks: 20 (Based on evaluation of class assignments) 

Book Review: 30