Module Code - Title:
PO6011
-
GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE:POLITICS, POLICY AND PRACTICE
Year Last Offered:
2013/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the significant changes that have taken place in processes of policy design and decision making at international, national and local levels. The module explores what governance as a concept actually means and discusses the degree to which governance actually differs from the more traditional notion of government. In doing so, the particular challenges for both public administration and civil society arising from a governance approach are identified. The module also examines the relationship between governance and different democratic constructs, traces the possible conflicts therein and explores the potential of governance as a means of addressing democratic decline. All elements of the module are supported by investigation of governance practice, at international, national and local levels, with which students will be required to actively engage.
Syllabus:
This module will be divided into three parts.
Firstly, students are introduced to the concept of governance, looking at how it can be differentiated from traditional forms of government, at different variations of governance and the debates that accompany them.
Secondly, students are exposed to different ways of understanding democracy, public administration and civil society and to the possible difficulties that a move from government to governance may bring.
Finally, using the analytical tools developed in parts one and two, the module explores the reality of governance, looking at and critiquing working examples of global governance; EU level governance, nation and local governance, with a view to assessing the degree to which there has actually been a shift from government to governance.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Actively engage in problem based learning exercises to support an awareness of the mechanics of governance.
Assess the possible impacts of governance approaches on the values and disposition of both state and non state actors.
Demonstrate an understanding of different conceptual approach to governance.
Critically assess the relative merits of these concepts in explaining and / or justifying evolutions from government to governance.
Assess the degree to which different formulations of public administration and different understandings of the role of civil society may imply a lesser or greater capacity to embrace governance ways of working.
Critically analyse assess different practical approaches to governance at a variety of different levels.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module incorporates lectures and debates and seminars on a variety of governance themes. The module will also incorporate a strong element of group based, Problem Based Learning (PBL) to encourage students to engage actively in practical exploration of the role of governance. This element will be assessed.
There will also be an emphasis on individually oriented, Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) to stimulate individual research and analytical skills. The EBL component will be assessed on the basis of an essay and related presentation to stimulate both practical analysis and communication skills.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bache, I. and Flinders, M. V. (eds) (2004)
Multi-level Governance
, Oxford, Oxford University Press
Engelstad, F. and Osterud, O. (2004)
Power and Democracy; Critical Interventions
, Ashgate
Pierre, J. (ed) (2000)
Debating Governance
, Oxford
Rhodes, R.A.W. (1997)
Understanding Governance
, Open University
Other Relevant Texts:
Considine, M. and Giguere, S. (eds) (2008)
The Theory and Practice of Local Governance and Economic Development
, Basingstoke and new York, Palgrave MacMillan
Gramberger, M. and Caddy, J. (2001)
Citizens as Partners: OECD Handbook on Information, Consultation and Public Participation in Policy Making
, OECD
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
Brid.Quinn@ul.ie