Prof Simon Hix CON3.07 and Dr Andrew Eggers

This course is compulsory on the Executive Master of Public Administration and Executive Master of Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.

There are no pre-requisites, but recommended advance reading is given below.

This course introduces students to core concepts and problems in politics and policymaking. Among the questions we address: What determines political preferences and electoral outcomes? How are interests represented? How do political institutions shape policy outcomes? Does democracy work? We focus on tools that students should be able to apply broadly in analysing the political world.

A one-week modular teaching block.

One mock examination will be provided.

Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Instititutions by Kenneth Shepsle (W.W. Norton, 2nd edition, 2010) is an excellent starting point and reference for many topics. A full reading list will be distributed at the beginning of the course.

Essay (50%, 2000 words) and online assessment (50%).

Please note that online examinations take place on the third Friday after the module teaching concludes. Assessed essays are due on the sixth Friday after module teaching concludes. Further details will be provided at the Executive MPA programme induction.