Course syllabus Public Policy Analysis, Reading Course
Swedish name: Policyanalys, läskurs
Course code:
2SS067
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2026
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Political Science and Law
Subject:
Political Science
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Statsvetenskapliga institutionen
Decision date:
2025-09-04
Entry requirements
Accepted to the Master's Programme in Politics and War or to the Doctoral Programme in Political Science with a specialisation in crisis management and security.
Course content and structure
The reading course offers the student in-depth knowledge of theoretical tools used in studies of policy processes. The course provides an understanding of some academic discourses that have driven the development of knowledge about decision theory, policy-making and contemporary research in the fields of policy analysis and public administration. The course covers a number of research themes in the field of knowledge, such as agenda-setting, advocacy coalitions and policy-oriented learning. The relationship between crisis and policy change is of particular interest.
The student is encouraged to apply policy theories to analyze the factors and conditions that shape policy outcomes. The course readings promote a critical approach to key concepts and to the design of scientific texts.
Self-studies. Instruction takes place through an introductory seminar.
The student is encouraged to apply policy theories to analyze the factors and conditions that shape policy outcomes. The course readings promote a critical approach to key concepts and to the design of scientific texts.
Type of Instruction
Self-studies. Instruction takes place through an introductory seminar.
Objectives
After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:
- In an in-depth way, critically present, discuss and analyse contributions to the research literature onpolicy analysis
- Evaluate these approaches in depth with regard to method use and usability within the subject areas
- Based on policy analysis and theory, identify factors and conditions that contribute to policy outcomes
- Critically analyse the role of crises and disasters in the policy process
Examination formats
Assessment takes place through an individual oral examination.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
Grades are set according to a three-grade scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are provided at the start of the course.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
Grading
Grades are set according to a three-grade scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are provided at the start of the course.
Restrictions in Number of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.
Other regulations
- The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
- If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- The course director will conduct an evaluation on the completion of the course, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.