Course Overview

Duration: 8 Weeks (2 Months)
Format: 2 sessions per week (Lectures + Workshops/Seminars)
Total Contact Hours: ~32–40 hours

Course Objectives

• Understand the foundations and key concepts of public policy. 
• Analyze the policy cycle and decision-making processes. 
• Develop the ability to assess and design effective public policies. 
• Explore case studies from national and international contexts. 
• Strengthen critical thinking and policy writing skills. 

Course Outline

Week 1 – Foundations of Public Policy

• Topics: 
  • What is Public Policy? Concepts and Definitions 
  • Policy, Governance, and Administration 
  • Theories and Models of Public Policy (Incrementalism, Rational Choice, etc.) 
• Activities: 
  • Discussion: Policy in everyday life 
  • Short essay: Define and analyze one example of a local policy 

Week 2 – The Policy Cycle

• Topics: 
  • Stages of Policy-Making: Agenda Setting, Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation 
  • Stakeholders and Institutional Roles 
  • Policy Environments (Political, Economic, Social) 
• Case Study: Education or Health Policy in Pakistan 
• Assignment: Develop a brief on a current policy issue 

Week 3 – Policy Analysis and Design

• Topics: 
  • Tools of Policy Analysis (Cost-Benefit, SWOT, Stakeholder Analysis) 
  • Evidence-Based Policymaking 
  • Role of Research and Data in Policy Design 
• Workshop: Policy Problem Tree and Solution Matrix 

Week 4 – Decision-Making and Implementation

• Topics: 
  • Decision-Making Models (Top-Down vs Bottom-Up) 
  • Bureaucracy and Policy Execution 
  • Coordination between Government Agencies 
• Simulation: Implementing a new social welfare program 

Week 5 – Policy Evaluation and Impact Assessment

• Topics: 
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks 
  • Performance Indicators and Policy Outcomes 
  • Impact Assessment Tools 
• Exercise: Design an evaluation plan for a selected policy 

Week 6 – Policy Communication and Advocacy

• Topics: 
  • Policy Briefs and Communication Strategies 
  • Media, Public Opinion, and Civil Society 
  • Advocacy and Lobbying Techniques 
• Workshop: Write a two-page policy brief 

Week 7 – Contemporary Issues in Public Policy

• Topics: 
  • Global Challenges: Climate Change, AI, and Digital Governance 
  • Governance Reforms and Accountability 
  • Public Policy Ethics and Corruption 
• Case Study: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Policy Alignment 

Week 8 – Policy Innovation and Capstone Project

• Topics: 
  • Innovation in Governance (E-Government, Public-Private Partnerships) 
  • Policy Entrepreneurship and Leadership 
  • Future Trends in Policy Studies 
• Capstone Project: 
  • Develop a complete mini policy proposal on a selected issue (education, health, energy, environment, etc.) 
  • Presentation and peer review