ENP-34306 Environmental Policy: Analysis and Evaluation

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basics of environmental sciences policy at BSc level.

Continuation courses:

International Environmental Policy; Advanced Environmental Economics and Policy; Social Theory on the Environment; Thesis Environmental Policy.

Contents:

This course focuses on the analysis and evaluation of environmental policy. It provides the students with up to date information on policy theories and models; on developments in environmental governance and the role of state, market and civil society actors; and on the tools and methods to analyse and evaluate environmental instruments and policy programmes. It builds upon basic knowledge in policy sciences and research methods and extends this to environmental governance at different levels. Carrying out policy evaluation via a group case study is an important part of the course.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this course, students are able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- current theories and models of (environmental) policy formulation, implementation and evaluation;
- key actors and multiple levels involved in environmental policy making as well as the interactions between them;
- methods and techniques for analysing and evaluating environmental policy.
Additional learning outcomes are to strengthen skills in academic writing and critical literature review.

Activities:

The course consist of the following activities:
- plenary lectures on environmental policy theories and models, different environmental policy instruments + evaluation frameworks; key developments in environmental governance and new state-market relations.
- one major policy evaluation study, carried out in small groups of 3-5 students. The study will entail an evaluation of a specific environmental policy. Students will have the opportunity to present/discuss their group work in class.

Examination:

- written exam 60%;
- group assignment 40%.
Both need a 5.5 or higher to pass.

Literature:

A course outline can be obtained upon request from the course coordinator.