F1GD 4125 - An International Comparative Introduction to the Practice of Policy Making

***UPDATED for 2026/27***

This course is intended to provide both an intellectual and a very practical introduction to the realities surrounding actual policy making. The course will assume students can be interested in one of the the different roles of the multilayered international and comparative ecosystems of policymaking. In that sense, the course switches perspective between different angles: that from those who are actually policy decision makers (together with those providing them with direct input in that function); those who approach policymaking to actively promote an agenda of values or interests; and finally those whose focus is “neutral”: analysts, and those monitoring policy and providing a deep understanding of policy decisions without interacting with the process.

The course assumes the premise that even what may be considered “international” policy making is rarely 100% “international” all along: all decisions, even the most “international” or “global”, are the result of a complex interaction of forces shaped by and influenced within national or even by local parameters. That’s why, in this course, policymaking will be approached taking into consideration as much as possible the main comparative differences that provide a different context and framework to the policy-making circle: different power levels (local, national, Us Federal or EU-wide, or multilateral); different power structures (presidential republics, parliamentary systems…); and when applicable, geographical and cultural political differences..

Looking at cases from different policy areas, this course provides the analytical framework and the essential knowledge to facilitate a well chartered navigation in the political environment for aspiring policy makers, policy promoters or policy analysts.

It must be noted that while the course pays specific attention to the policy making reality of the two largest political and regulatory ecosystems with the strongest impact in the democratic world (the US and the EU), all along it takes into consideration differences on policy agenda-setting that exist between the Global North and South, as shown by examples to discuss in class.

Learning Outcomes

• Learning how to identify the relevant “dots” (political, institutional, social, historical, geographical, economical…) that may contribute to the shaping of policy in any particular matter, or that may become obstacles to it, and learning how to “link those dots” in order to get a real picture beyond what is immediately on sight.
• Acquiring an open mind towards international differences in policy making and looking for the reasons behind them, in order to learn from experiences from different policy making traditions, and to have a better understanding of them as international observers or actors.

3.Learning how to identify and put together the main building blocks of a political strategy intended to introduce, promote or prevent a policy change in the most effective way.

4.Acquiring an overview of the role of media and digital tools in policy action in particular at international level, and of the non-apparent interactions with other components of the policy making ecosystem.

Professional Skills

• Building and reinforcement of self- confidence in the capability to become a policy maker or shaper, resulting in stronger leadership within their organization;
• Improving how to introduce a systematic approach within complex and apparently blurred challenges.
• Learning how to put one self in the position of others (countries, stakeholders…), thus improving the understanding of a problem and highly improving negotiation skills.
• Improving creative thinking to identify the best possible path to reaching an intended outcome, after considering the priorities of other stakeholders, as well as obstacles and consequences of alternatives.

None.

In its first and second tier, the course combines lectures coherently organized by topics with class discussions on their content, supported by fundamental readings, shared with students in anticipation.

On the third tier, the course moves progressively towards a structured discussion around actual policy making and policy shaping. Students work in groups to prepare their strategies in parallel to the class. Students receive feedback from the instructor and from other students after their presentations in class. Part of the time of class sessions is devoted to teamwork and interaction between groups and the instructor.

Direct personal feedback is provided after evaluation of the two (individual and collective) assignments, and at the end of the whole course.

Students are expected to read mandatory materials prior to the discussion of the relevant topic in class.

Basis for assessment:

• Active participation in discussions following the lectures (validation relevance 10%
• Individual assignment consisting in the drafting of a) a one-page policy briefing memo addressed to a Minister, responding to a real governance situation to be provided by the professor; and b) a structured analytical note explaining the reasoning behind the memo — what was included, what was deliberately left out, and why — with explicit connections to the conceptual frameworks discussed in class. [Essay maximum 2000 words, to be delivered by Session 8]. (Relevance: 40%).
• Collective preparation and presentation (in small working groups of 4-5 students each) of a complete well-grounded Policy Strategy on a controversial policy proposal, assuming one of three possible pre-defined roles. The strategy will be presented and discussed in class. Groups will be formed between Sessions 4 and 5; the assignment will be delivered before Session 11. (Relevance: 50%).

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