Public Polities and Governance
- Social Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 45 pages
- 3 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of DES317, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
DES317 · MODULE 1: UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
It has been argued that the development of policies is not the sole prerogative of government. Citizens also advocate for policy. However, few of such are implemented by government because these are the ones that have an effect on the citizens of a country and only then can they be public policy (Dlakwa; 2008 cited Orizu, Chinyere, and Tochukwu. 2012).
What you should be able to do
- Define public policy and governance.
- Explain the importance of public policy.
- Identify the different types of public policy.
- Analyze the theories of public policy.
- Understand the concept of good governance.
What it prepares you for
- Policy Analyst
- Governance Officer
- Development Consultant
- Public Administrator
- Social Development Officer
- Government
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- International Development Agencies
- Research Institutions
- Consulting Firms
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria
Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle
The Advocacy Coalition Framework requires understanding complex interactions between multiple actors and levels of government, as well as the role of core beliefs in policy making.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 34 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development
Unit 1: What is Public Policy? · 3 hours
Read the introduction to public policy.. Understand the importance and features of public policy.. Identify different types of public policy..
- Week 2Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development
Unit 1: What is Public Policy? · 2 hours
Examine the main areas of public policy.. Analyze the theories of public policy.. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions..
- Week 3Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development
Unit 1: Defining Governance · 3 hours
Define governance and its evolution.. Understand the principles of good governance: participatory, rule of law, consensus-oriented..
- Week 4Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development
Unit 1: Defining Governance · 2 hours
Explore the principles of good governance: equitable, effectiveness, accountability, transparent, responsive.. Examine the features of good governance..
- Week 5Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development
Unit 1: Defining Governance · 2 hours
Analyze the nexus between governance and public policy.. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions..
- Week 6Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria
Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle · 3 hours
Understand the policy cycle.. Study the Stages Heuristics Model..
- Week 7Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria
Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle · 2 hours
Examine the Multiple-Streams Framework.. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions..
- Week 8Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria
Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle · 3 hours
Study the Punctuated-Equilibrium Framework.. Analyze the Diffusion Models..
- Week 9Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria
Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle · 2 hours
Examine the Advocacy Coalition Framework.. Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment questions..
- Week 10Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development
Unit 1: What is Public Policy? · 3 hours
Review Module 1: Understanding the Concept of Social Development. Focus on key definitions and concepts..
- Week 11Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development
Unit 1: Defining Governance · 3 hours
Review Module 2: Development Theories and Social Development. Focus on the principles of good governance..
- Week 12Module 3: Social Development Challenges in Nigeria
Unit 1: Understanding the Policy Cycle · 3 hours
Review Module 3: Social development challenges in Nigeria. Focus on policy cycle and frameworks..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 3 hours
Complete all outstanding Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs).. Prepare for final examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module objectives and summaries.
- Practice answering TMA questions under timed conditions.
- Create concept maps linking policy theories to real-world examples.
- Focus on understanding the policy cycle and its stages.
- Pay special attention to the principles of good governance and their application.
- Review key definitions and concepts from each unit.
Questions students ask about this course
What is DES317 about?
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.
How many units does DES317 have?
DES317, Public Polities and Governance, has 3 units across 3 modules, over 45 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is DES317?
DES317 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.
Is DES317 hard?
DES317 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does DES317 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 3 units.
How is DES317 assessed?
DES317 is assessed by tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with DES317?
Policy Analyst, Governance Officer, Development Consultant, Public Administrator and Social Development Officer.