PUBLIC POLICY

Content

Weeks	Topics
1. Weeks	Defines Public Policy Analysis (PPA), distinguishing its two dimensions: the cyclical process (e.g., problem identification, search for solutions, implementation, evaluation, termination/change) and the actors involved. It covers the historical emergence of PPA through three explanations: organized society, the Industrial Revolution/mass migration to cities, and World Wars. It also reviews definitions like "speaking truths to powers".
2. Weeks	Provides a theoretical overview, covering main concepts (e.g., Paradigms, Frameworks, Models, Heuristics) and contributors (e.g., Harold D. Laswell, Paul A. Sabatier, Christopher M. Weible). It discusses the Sequential Policy Process Framework (Stages Model). It also details other theories: the Systems Approach, Funnel of Causality, Multiple Stream Framework (MSF), Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) Framework, Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), and the Policy Regime Perspective.
3. Weeks	Introduces policy actors categorized as National and International. National actors include Official Actors (legislative, executive, judiciary bodies) that derive authority from the constitution/laws and Unofficial Actors (political parties, citizens, media, civil society organizations, interest groups, think tanks). It details the roles of international actors (e.g., UN, IMF, World Bank, European Union). It highlights new Turkish Presidency System actors like policy boards and offices.
4. Weeks	Focuses on the initial crucial stages of policy analysis. Defines and contrasts different types of agendas: agenda universe, public agenda, political/governmental agenda, and decision agenda. Explores how issues are framed (social construction) and distinguishes between agenda setting (what to think about) and agenda framing (how to think about). Discusses models like the Multiple Streams Model (problems, policy, politics streams) and the role of policy monopolies. Emphasizes the importance of problem definition in shaping solutions.
5. Weeks	Exam Preparation
6. Weeks	Exam Preparation II
7. Weeks	Mid-Term Exam
8. Weeks	Explains Policy Formation as the process of identifying, formulating, and assessing alternatives. It covers policy goals and values (e.g., efficiency, equity, sustainability), the policy cycle, and policy types (distributive, redistributive, regulatory). It details stages like establishing evaluation criteria, developing alternatives (e.g., through policy transfer/benchmarking), and assessing policy options (e.g., Cost-Benefit/Cost-Effectiveness Analysis). It also addresses challenges such as conflict of goals and the information gap.
9. Weeks	Discusses this complex stage often combined with legitimation and legalization. Defines core concepts like legitimacy (fairness/justness), legality (accordance with law), and decision-making (including nondecisions). Identifies key actors in selection and enactment (Legislators, Cabinet, Public Administration, Nonprofits, Citizens). Examines the crucial linkages between Adoption and other stages (Agenda Setting, Formation, Implementation, Evaluation). Discusses challenges, including the gap between research/evidence and policy adoption.
10. Weeks	Defines implementation as the crucial "doing part" of PPA, focusing on feasibility and success. Explains the two main models: Top-Down Model (Forward Mapping) and Bottom-Up Model (Backward Mapping). Identifies main actors: Policy Analysts (classified by skills as Technicians, Politicians, Entrepreneurs) and Street-Level Bureaucrats (who apply discretion and coping strategies). Discusses current and future trends, including increased citizen participation (e.g., crowdsourcing) and the use of technology (e.g., "screen-level bureaucrats," drones).
11. Weeks	Defines Policy Evaluation as learning about policy consequences and making judgments about the value/worth of outcomes (normative character). Differentiates evaluation from monitoring (facts) and policy appraisal (ex ante). Categorizes types (e.g., pseudo, formal, decision-theoretic; administrative, judicial, political, scientific). Details methods (experimental models, qualitative, economic, performance evaluation). Identifies evaluators (Turkish Court of Accounts, State Supervisory Council, Think Tanks, NGOs). Examines outcomes: Policy Continuation, Change (radical or incremental), or Termination
12. Weeks	Exam Preparation I
13. Weeks	Exam Preparation II
14. Weeks	Final Exam