Face-to-face , first term, 30 hours of theory.

First term
Tuesday from 10:45 to 12:45 at 119 Marais 2100

French

The aims of the course are
1) to introduce students to the main paradigms, theories and concepts of public action analysis;
2) to allow students, based on the presentation of case studies, to familiarise themselves with the given tools and methodological approach for analysing public action in a specific field;
3) to favour critical and ethical thinking with regards to the contemporary mutations of public action.

For the Bachelor in Law :

For the Bachelor in History :

For the Bachelor in Information and Communication :

For the Bachelor in Modern Languages and Letters: German, Dutch and English :

For the Bachelor in Philosophy :

For the Bachelor in Political Sciences: General :

For the Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology :

None

With the transformation of its object, with the pluralisation of its actors, instruments and intervention levels (regionalisation, Europeanization), as well as with a transformation of public action regulation modes (proceduralisation, contracting, evaluation…), the analysis of public action moves away from a state-centred, decisional and linear vision of public policies to a broader study of their construction and implementation processes. From a disciplinary point of view, the analysis of public action lies at the confluence of several approaches of Political Science and Sociology.

The issues and themes discussed in class are the following:
- Definition and delimitation of public action analysis as a discipline: history, object, research fields;
- History and historicity of public action (at a macro level: periodisation of public action and contemporary characterisation; at a meso level: sequential approach of public action);
- Types and configurations of public action actors (institutional and emerging): administration, parties, interest groups, professional and users as policy makers;
- Theoretical perspectives: “instrumental” approach, “cognitive” approach, “neo-institutionalist” approach, “actors” approach;
- Scales of public action (“multi-level governance”);
- Evaluation of public action: instruments and instrumentalisation.

Description of the ex-cathedra lectures:
The lecture is taught jointly or alternately by the two professors in charge of the course. The presentation of the different approaches and dimensions of public action is illustrated by case studies, especially in the fields of social and environmental policies.

Compulsory readings are associated to each class.

The final assessment is based on a written exam. It includes questions of theoretical and conceptual knowledge, analyses of real situations related to current events and one question on the compulsory readings.

A specific bibliography is handed out to the students, including compulsory readings. The main reference books, to complement the course are:
- BOUSSAGUET Laurie, JACQUOT, Sophie et RAVINET Pauline. Dictionnaire des politiques publiques, Paris, Presses de Science Po, 2019.
- CANTELLI Fabrizio et GENARD Jean-Louis, Action publique et subjectivité, L.G.D.J., Paris, 2007
- JACOB Steve et Nathalie SCHIFFINO. 2021. Politiques publiques. Fondements et prospective pour l'analyse de l'action publique. Bruylant.
- KNOEPFEL, Peter, LARRUE, Corinne, VARONE, Frédéric, Analyse et pilotage des politiques publiques, Bâle, Helbing et Lichtenhahan, 2001.
- LASCOUMES Pierre et LE GALES Patrick, Sociologie de l'action publique, Armand Colin, Paris, 2007;

The slides are given to the students right after each session. A syllabus is available at the beginning of the course.