Comp Politics of Policy-Making

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course provides a cross-national perspective on the institutions and processes of public policy-making. The first section of the course examines a series of theoretical perspectives for analyzing constraints on and opportunities for policymaking, including political culture, globalization, and feedbacks from past policy choices. The central section of the course focuses on political institutions as venues and vehicles for policymaking. The final section of the course looks at case studies of specific policy sectors, such as pensions, health care, and the environment. Throughout the course, there will be a balance between general and theoretical materials and a more intensive examination of a small number of countries.