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 is based on lectures, which provide conceptual foundations and illustrate the application of theoretical approaches through selected examples. Students are expected to complete assigned readings before each lecture in order to actively engage with the concepts presented.
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 analysing and engaging in policy development.
Note: This course is open only to students of the International Economic and Political Studies programme, International Politics specialization.
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 je založena na přednáškách, které poskytují teoretický základ a zároveň ilustrují aplikaci vybraných teoretických přístupů prostřednictvím konkrétních příkladů. Od studentů se očekává, že si před každou přednáškou nastudují zadanou literaturu, aby se mohli aktivně zapojit do práce s probíranými koncepty.
Cílem kurzu je připravit studenty, aby se stali pozornými a tvořivými pozorovateli procesů veřejné politiky, a zároveň jim poskytnout znalosti a dovednosti užitečné pro analýzu a zapojení do tvorby politik.
Poznámka: Kurz je určen pouze studentům programu International Economic and Political Studies se specializací International Politics.
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.
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.Le
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
ssessment
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.
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) – 54 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
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.
4
22 Oct
Agenda-setting: Policy process and problem recognition
