ENP-34306 Environmental Policy: Analysis and Evaluation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basics of environmental policy at BSc level.

Continuation courses:

International Environmental Policy; Advanced Environmental Economics and Policy; Sociological Perspectives on Environmental Change; Advanced International Environmental Politics; Thesis Environmental Policy

Contents:

The course provides a detailed introduction to the social scientific study of environmental politics, with a focus on policy analysis and evaluation. We discuss models of environmental policy processes and networks, instruments of environmental policy (such as regulatory, market-based and information-based approaches) and frameworks to evaluate environmental policy. The course focuses on analysis and evaluation in theory and in practice, through in-depth case studies. A (group) assignment on environmental policy evaluation is an integral part of the course.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
1) Demonstrate knowledge of:
- Unique challenges facing environmental policy making,
- Current theories and models of (environmental) policy formulation, implementation and evaluation,
- The role of key actors and multiple levels of authority in environmental policy making.
2) Evaluate effectiveness of environmental policy by critically applying methods and techniques of policy evaluation; and recommend improvements.
3) Demonstrate stronger skills in:
- Reading scholarly literature critically,
- Formulating and defending an own viewpoint,
- Writing clearly and concisely,
- Presenting/debating policy evaluation lessons in a group and/or in class,
- Working effectively in a team.

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:

Various book chapters and articles on the topics outlined above; A course outline can be obtained upon request from the course coordinator.