The course offers an introduction to public policy, the policy process and core concepts of policy analysis, drawing on applications to urban policy and politics. Policy analysis (or research) seeks to “find out what government do, why they do it and what difference it makes” (T Dye). Policy analysis studies how governments (and non-governmental actors) seek to address societal problems – for example, which policy instruments to use (i.e. rent control to address rising rent prices) ; how these policies are put into practice (implementation) and which impact and outcomes, including unintended they generate (evaluation). Policy process research brings the political into policy analysis, raising issues such as power, interests, collaboration and conflict.
Urban spaces are magnifying glasses for societal problems and conflicts – and for policy and governance innovations. With an ever-growing urban population, the urban context is critical for solving complex policy issues – such as climate change, mobility, inequality, security. Many actors with different ideologies and interest – political parties, citizens, activists, local and global companies – seek to shape what city governments do (and what not). Usingexamples from cities around the globe, including Berlin, we will explore urban policy and politics through the lens of the policy process perspective. Students will learn the analytical tools and perspectives of policy analysis and policy process research through the application to urban policy and politics issues. We will explore the dynamics of agenda-setting, questions of political representation and power, and the influence of different socio-economic groups on urban policy making. Using case studies on urban transport, planning & development, and housing, you will apply policy analysis concept to exercises of policy design, evaluation, implementation and stakeholder analysis. You will also get the opportunity to work on a case of your choice.