International Peace and Security (GP110L) and The Law and Practice of the United Nations (GP120L), or 60 credits with progression within one of the following main field: Political Science, International Relations, Human Rights, European Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, or International Migration and Ethnic Relations

The general aim of the course is that students should be able to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in global (international, national, and local) policy analysis and evaluation.

The course objectives for students are two-folded, to acquire holistic knowledge in the subject of policy by studying policy processes, policy analysis and analysis of policy as well as gaining advanced knowledge and skills in policy evaluation by writing an evaluation of a policy, in the form of a thesis, generated from an international organisation, national department, governmental agency, municipality or non-governmental organisation.

The course consists of two modules:

The first module covers policy process, policy analysis and analysis of policy in global, international and national governance and research methods applicable to policy analysis and evaluation. The module addresses the theoretical and methodological aspects of policy studies in global politics to equip the students with the skills required for conducting an independent policy evaluation (thesis 15 hp).

Part I: Policy Processes and Policy Analysis in Global Politics (7.5hp)

This part of the module focuses on the creation and enforcement of policies by addressing how politics are turned into policy and regulations that have effect on the global, national and local level. In conjunction with the wider aspects of policy processes (economic, political and social) the method of policy analysis will be studied, i.e. how to analyse and develop policy. The theoretical foundation for this part is found in policy studies and its subset of international policy studies.

Part II: Analysis of policy (7.5hp)

This part of the module covers research methods and methodological issues of relevance for policy analysis and evaluation. Part II also addresses epistemology and research ethics of specific interest to researchers of policy.

The second module consists of individual thesis writing as well as a critical evaluation of the work of another student and the defence of one’s own thesis. The thesis will be written in the form of a policy evaluation. The policy to be chosen for evaluation will be a policy stemming from a municipality, government department or agency, international organisation or non-governmental organisation or similar. The policy evaluation is written in cooperation with a supervisor and a seminar series consisting of peers.

The course consists of two modules with the following learning outcomes:

After completing the module the student will

After completing the module the student will

The course is designed for full-time study. The majority of the student’s workload consists of independent study.

Students are responsible for keeping up the reading and for coming prepared to each class. Students are expected to take their own initiatives to form reading groups.

Students who have not submitted a passing thesis cannot be guaranteed further supervision.

The teaching in the first module is in the form of lectures, workshops and method laboratories. Teaching in the second module consists of tutorials, peer led seminars, and seminars.

Learning outcome 1, 2, 3 and 5 are assessed by means of critically assessing a policy analysis (7.5 hp). Learning outcomes are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 are assessed by a take home exam (7.5 hp).

Learning outcomes 1 to 4 are assessed by means of a written thesis (12.5 hp). Learning outcome 5 is assessed by preparation and participation in peer led seminars. Learning outcomes 6 and 7 are assessed by means of critical evaluation of another student’s thesis as well as the defence of one’s own thesis (2.5 hp).

In order to achieve a passing grade on the course in its entirety, the grade of Pass is required for each examination.

Policy related primary source material will be added to this list.

Articles can be added to this list.

The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).

If a course is no longer offered or has undergone major changes, students will be offered two re-take sessions based on the syllabus in force at registration during a period of one year from the date of the implementation of the changes.