F1GD 4100 - Policy Analysis for Turbulent Times

***UPDATED for 2026/27***

This course aims at developing skills for understanding and designing public policy in a context where international and global governance are increasingly needed to address large scale interdependencies, in a wide range of issues such as the economy, demography, security, technology, global health, and obviously climate, biodiversity and the environment. However, existing patterns of international governance are increasingly challenged for failing to deliver their promises, or for imposing unjustified restrictions on sovereignty. Above all, the current context for global affairs since the beginning of the decade is dominated by conflict more than cooperation, and by instability coming with it. In this context of growing interdependence, declining trust in institutions, and structural unpredictability, policy making is directly confronted to the question of its own effectiveness, and beyond to the changing features of political legitimacy and citizenship. The class trains students to write a professional policy paper situated against this background.

The course introduces students to the key theoretical controversies developed by the academic literature and relevant for public policy analysis and decision-making, and proposes a specific methodology to critically understand and deliberate about policy design. The discussion is centered on the dynamics and on the influence of institutions, and on the selection of instruments in the conduct of public policy.

Students actively participate to the class in forming teams to prepare a policy case-study. They characterize a policy situation at the international, national or local level, and critically analyze a range of policy options. They collectively discuss competing policy alternatives to formulate a series of policy recommendations. Students’ case studies ‘presentations are integral part of the class. The course is validated with the submission of a professional policy-paper of international standard.

Learning Outcomes

Students will :

• Discover the major paradigms and theories of the policy process;
• Learn the different methods and tools for policy design;

3.Think and discuss the politics of policy-making and international governance.

Professional Skills

Students will :

• Engage in teamwork to design a policy proposal;
• Learn to draft a professional policy paper advancing policy recommendations;
• Develop their oral communication skills for policy advocacy

None

The course starts with introductory lectures and discussions of fundamental readings.

It progressively incorporates students’ groups presentations as elements of discussion of policy case studies. Students receive feedback from the instructor and from other students after their presentations in class.

Students work in groups to prepare their projects in parallel to the class. Part of the time of class sessions is devoted to teamwork and interaction between groups and the instructor.

Students are expected to:

Read and comment materials prior to discussion in class.

Participate in discussions following the lectures.

Propose a Policy Case Study as a topic for a Group Term Paper. Students’ proposals will be presented and discussed in class.

Turn in a collectively written policy paper of high standard at the end of the class (8,000 to 15,000 words including bibliography, indicative).

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week/ 36 hours a semester
• Preparation for Group Work: 1 hour a week / 12 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester