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DES317Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Public Polities and Governance

This course introduces students to the themes and perspectives surrounding the concept of public policies and governance. It explores the factors responsible for policy failure in governance across the globe. The course covers different definitions of public policies and governance, various theories and perspectives, and the dimensions of social development and development concerns in Nigeria. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public policies and governance.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Public PolicyGovernanceSocial DevelopmentPolicy TheoriesNigeria

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Public Policy Definitions

2

Governance Theories

3

Social Development Dimensions

4

Policy Cycle Stages

5

Policy Implementation

6

Good Governance Principles

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Governance Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental OrganizationsInternational Development AgenciesResearch InstitutionsConsulting Firms

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development

3h

Unit 1: What is Public Policy?

3 study hours
  • Read the introduction to public policy.
  • Understand the importance and features of public policy.
  • Identify different types of public policy.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development

2h

Unit 1: What is Public Policy?

2 study hours
  • Examine the main areas of public policy.
  • Analyze the theories of public policy.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions.
Week
3

Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development

3h

Unit 1: Defining Governance

3 study hours
  • Define governance and its evolution.
  • Understand the principles of good governance: participatory, rule of law, consensus-oriented.
Week
4

Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development

2h

Unit 1: Defining Governance

2 study hours
  • Explore the principles of good governance: equitable, effectiveness, accountability, transparent, responsive.
  • Examine the features of good governance.
Week
5

Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development

2h

Unit 1: Defining Governance

2 study hours
  • Analyze the nexus between governance and public policy.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions.
Week
6

Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria

3h

Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle

3 study hours
  • Understand the policy cycle.
  • Study the Stages Heuristics Model.
Week
7

Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria

2h

Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle

2 study hours
  • Examine the Multiple-Streams Framework.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions.
Week
8

Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria

3h

Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle

3 study hours
  • Study the Punctuated-Equilibrium Framework.
  • Analyze the Diffusion Models.
Week
9

Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria

2h

Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle

2 study hours
  • Examine the Advocacy Coalition Framework.
  • Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions.
Week
10

Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development

3h

Unit 1: What is Public Policy?

3 study hours
  • Review Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development
  • Focus on key definitions and concepts.
Week
11

Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development

3h

Unit 1: Defining Governance

3 study hours
  • Review Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development
  • Focus on the principles of good governance.
Week
12

Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria

3h

Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle

3 study hours
  • Review Module 3: Social development challenges in Nigeria
  • Focus on policy cycle and frameworks.
Week
13

Final Revision

3h

Final Revision

3 study hours
  • Complete all outstanding Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs).
  • Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module objectives and summaries.

2

Practice answering TMA questions under timed conditions.

3

Create concept maps linking policy theories to real-world examples.

4

Focus on understanding the policy cycle and its stages.

5

Pay special attention to the principles of good governance and their application.

6

Review key definitions and concepts from each unit.

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