This course examines approaches to studying the principles and dynamics of public policy rather than its substantive content. While policy areas and examples will be discussed, they will primarily serve as illustrations for exploring public policy theory. The course focuses on why and how policies are proposed, developed, implemented, and evaluated, as well as how they evolve over time.
The format of the course combines lectures and seminars. Lectures provide conceptual foundations, while seminars emphasise discussion, application of concepts, and case study work. To support active learning, students are expected to complete assigned readings before each session. Short tests at the beginning of lectures and seminars check students’ understanding of the readings and form part of the assessment.
The aim is to prepare students to become careful and creative observers of policy processes, while also equipping them with knowledge and skills useful for engaging in policy development.
Note: This course is open only to students of the Public and Social Policy programme and Public and Social Policy Studies programme, for whom it is compulsory.
Last update: Jelínková Marie, PhDr., Ph.D. (12.09.2025)
Tento anglický kurz se zaměřuje zejména na přístupy ke studiu principů a dynamiky veřejné politiky, nikoli přímo na její věcný obsah. Jednotlivé oblasti politiky a příklady budou sice probírány, ale především jako ilustrace pro zkoumání teorie veřejné politiky. Kurz se soustředí na to, proč a jak jsou politiky navrhovány, rozvíjeny, implementovány a hodnoceny a jak se v čase vyvíjejí.
Výuka kombinuje přednášky a semináře. Přednášky poskytují teoretický základ, zatímco semináře kladou důraz na diskusi, aplikaci konceptů a práci s případovými studiemi. Pro podporu aktivního učení se od studentů očekává, že si před každou hodinou nastudují zadanou literaturu. Krátké testy na začátku přednášek a seminářů ověřují porozumění textům a tvoří součást hodnocení.
Cílem kurzu je připravit studenty, aby se stali pozornými a tvořivými pozorovateli procesů veřejné politiky, a zároveň jim poskytnout znalosti a dovednosti užitečné pro zapojení do tvorby politik.
Poznámka: Kurz je určen pouze studentům programu Veřejná a sociální politika a programu Public and Social Policy Studies, pro které je povinný.
Last update: Jelínková Marie, PhDr., Ph.D. (12.09.2025)
Aim of the course
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of key terms, concepts, and theories of public policy.
Relate these terms, concepts, and theories to specific policy problems.
Identify what additional information is needed to connect theoretical approaches to particular problems.
Understand and compare various approaches to the study of public policy.
Analyse policy development, implementation, evaluation, and change over time.
Become careful and creative observers of policy processes.
Examine theoretical perspectives on policy instruments, tools, and typologies.
Explore both normative (value-based) and empirical issues in public policy.
Gain insights into the dynamics of policy-making and its long-term evolution
Last update: Jelínková Marie, PhDr., Ph.D. (12.09.2025)
Literature
Key Readings
Knill, C., & Tosun, J. (2020). Public Policy: A New Introduction (2nd ed., pp. 1–22). Bloomsbury Academic.
Potůček, M. et al. (2017). Public Policy: A Comprehensive Introduction. Prague: Karolinum Press.
Last update: Jelínková Marie, PhDr., Ph.D. (12.09.2025)
Requirements to the exam
Assessment
The final grade will be based on the following components:
Short tests at the beginning of each lecture (to check understanding of the assigned readings) – 10 × 2 points = 20 points.
Active participation in seminars (evaluating both comprehension of readings and active engagement in seminar discussions; assessed through short tests and participation) – 4 × 6 points = 24 points (2 points for comprehension + 4 points for participation).
Knowledge test (covering key concepts, their definitions, and relationships across the entire course; approx. one question per topic) – 26 points.
Case study analysis (application of theories and concepts of public policy to a given case) – 30 points.
Total: 100 points.
Grading Scale:
Grade
Points
A
91–100
B
81–90
C
71–80
D
61–70
E
51–60
F
50 and below
Last update: Jelínková Marie, PhDr., Ph.D. (24.09.2025)
Syllabus
Language of instruction: English
Lecturers:
Mgr. Eva M. Hejzlarová, Ph.D.
PhDr. Marie Jelínková, Ph.D.
Seminar Leaders:
Mgr. Barbora Musilová (Seminar Groups 1 and 2)
Mgr. Lukáš Filo (Seminar Groups 3 and 4)
Mgr. Bernadetta Baroková (Seminar Group 5)
Preliminary Course Schedule
Week
Date
Topic
Lecturer
1
1 Oct
Introduction: What is public policy? Public interest and values
PhDr. Marie Jelínková, Ph.D.
2
8 Oct
Traditions of public policy; comparative and global public policy; actors and institutions
Mgr. Eva M. Hejzlarová, Ph.D.
3
15 Oct
Governance and multi-level governance; policy networks; state–market–civil sector and media as regulators; global policy
PhDr. Marie Jelínková, Ph.D.
—
20 Oct
Seminar 1
—
4
22 Oct
Agenda-setting: Policy process and problem recognition
