Contents:
The course provides a detailed introduction to the social scientific study of environmental politics, with a focus on policy analysis and evaluation. We discuss models of environmental policy processes and networks, instruments of environmental policy (such as regulatory, market-based and information-based approaches) and frameworks to evaluate environmental policy. The course focuses on analysis and evaluation in theory and in practice, through in-depth case studies. A (group) assignment on environmental policy evaluation is an integral part of the course.
Learning outcomes:
After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
1) Demonstrate knowledge of:
- Unique challenges facing environmental policy making,
- Current theories and models of (environmental) policy formulation, implementation and evaluation,
- The role of key actors and multiple levels of authority in environmental policy making.
2) Evaluate effectiveness of environmental policy by critically applying methods and techniques of policy evaluation; and recommend improvements.
3) Demonstrate stronger skills in:
- Reading scholarly literature critically,
- Formulating and defending an own viewpoint,
- Writing clearly and concisely,
- Presenting/debating policy evaluation lessons in a group and/or in class,
- Working effectively in a team.
