Block A (Theory and Methodology of Public Policy) will test the knowledge acquired during the two years of study in the compulsory subjects and the ability to link them together into coherent conceptual units. Preparation for Block A should be at the core of the student's home preparation for the national examinations. Re-study of course texts, notes and other resources from individual subjects relevant to the question is recommended.
Theory and methodology of public policy: compulsory subjects (public policy, microeconomics in public policy and public finance, social aspects of public policy legal aspects of public policy, instruments of public policy and public policy analysis):
1. Defining public policy and its delimitation in relation to other social science disciplines
2. Dimensions of public policy - policy, politics, polity. The difference between these dimensions and their common features using concrete examples from practice
3. The process of public policy making in terms of the relationship between actors and the environment
4. Agenda setting in the public policy making process - basic issues of the relationship between the choice of issues, requirements and behaviour of actors
5. The implementation phase of the public policy process and its possible causes of failure
6. Dilemmas in decision making. Dilemma of decision-making power of first-level bureacracy
7. Theories of rationality and the rationality model of the public policy-making cycle. Lindblom's theory of incrementalism
8. Critiques of the rationality model: bounded rationality, Kingdon (window of opportunity), Sabatier (advocacy coalition framework), Baumgartner (punctuated equilibrium)
9. Legislative process at the level of the Slovak government, the National Council, including the return of the law by the President. Stages of the public policy-making process and opportunities for public input
10. Impact assessment in the SR and EU legislative process (process and content)
11. Use of knowledge in public policy making. Evidence-based public policy making.
Equity, efficiency, economy, effectiveness and fairness as criteria for decision-making.
13. Market and market failure in the context of state intervention
14. Subject matter, legal effects and problematic aspects of the national referendum in the Slovak Republic in the context of the case law of the Constitutional Court (in particular the ruling PL. ÚS 24/2014)
15. The concept of the state and state failure and the role of civil society, public policy actors and their action in public policy
16. Defining public policy instruments and types of instruments in public policy. The relationship between public policy instruments, public policy analysis and implementation
17. Defining regulation and its importance in the social, economic and environmental fields in terms of public policy instruments
18. Public policy information tools: Mandatory tools (Freedom of Information Act and others) vs. voluntary tools
19. Administrative public policy instruments
20. Economic public policy instruments: subsidies/grants vs. vouchers for users of public services (vouchers) vs. user charges
21. Inputs and outputs in public policy analysis, basic characteristics of analytical and advocacy materials (policy papers)
22. Cost-benefit analysis as a public policy tool
23 Public policy evaluation, its types and importance
24 What is and is not economics? The relationship of economics to public policy
25. Basic economic concepts and their use in public policy: supply and demand, consumer behaviour, individual and market demand, production, profit maximisation
26 Defining the public sector and the basics of fiscal management. Relationship between fiscal policy and the business cycle and the tax system
27. Game theory as a tool for public policy analysis
28. Public policy externalities and public goods
29 Transaction costs and public goods theory in service provision and delivery decisions. Competitive markets versus hierarchies, transaction costs and contract completeness
30. Use of selected economic concepts in public policy: uncertainty, risk and expectations, information asymmetries
31. Paradigms of approaches to the organisation of public administration organisations. Characteristics of bureaucracy, managerialism and governance through networks
32. Fiscal decentralization in Slovakia (development and current status) as part of overall fiscal management
33. Typology and characteristics of public finance revenues
34. Modes of service delivery, their suitability for different types of services, weaknesses and strengths of different modes of service delivery
35. Methods of deciding on public service delivery methods
36. Dimensions of power (Dahl, Bachrach and Baratz, Lukes) and their commonalities and differences - conflict, (non)decisions, agenda, influence, conscious/unconscious actions
37. The problem in public policy as a social construct, framing the problem
38. Social cohesion and social stratification of society in relation to public policy
39. Social capital in relation to social cohesion -implications for public policy. Links between clientelism and social capital
40. Old age and pension systems as key public policy issues
41. Social inclusion/exclusion as key concepts in public policy and social sciences
42. Conceptualising the welfare state in relation to public policy
43. Defining decentralisation (decentralisation as polity, policy and politics), identifying its weaknesses and strengths
44. Legislation at local government level (compliance requirements, problems, process, public input)
45. Judiciary in the state - its functions, structures and actors. Relationship to public policy and failures of the judiciary
46. The constitutional judiciary and the triadic division of powers in the state: mutual influences
47. Changes in the Constitution of the Slovak Republic since 1992 on the example of one of the constitutional institutes (referendum, the position of the President, the relationship between the law of the Slovak Republic and international law, the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic) Hierarchy of legislation in the Slovak Republic and the changes that have taken place in it after the accession of the Slovak Republic to the EU
48. Appointment powers of the President of the SR in the context of the case law of the Constitutional Court (appointment of a member of the Government, Attorney General, Constitutional Judges)
49. Defining features of a modern state (according to Pierson)
50. Failure of collective action, advocacy and lobbying in public policy
51. Administrative traditions and their impact on human resource management (e.g. Westminster, Napoleonic, Germanic, Scandinavian, Communist, etc.)
52. Career, positional and hybrid systems of human resource management
53. Legitimacy, legality, sovereignty and constitutionality - commonalities and differences
54. Patronage, meritocracy and representativeness in human resource management
55. Dimensions of the concept of public value
Block B will test the ability to use the ideas, opinions and analytical frameworks acquired in the study to comparatively analyse selected topics in the Slovak Republic and EU countries. The individual topics are a coherent interconnection of several smaller units. It is recommended that students prepare an outline response to each of the topics based on the course texts, notes and other sources, or supplement it from other sources.
1. What models of the welfare state is the literature familiar with, what criteria does it use to distinguish between them, and where would you place Slovakia in the context of the post-1989 transformations, and why?
2. How have different models of the welfare state been affected by globalisation - compare the situation in at least 3 member countries representing different models
3. Explain the differences between two ways of approaching transnational issues - multilateralism and unilateralism. Give an example of a country that tends towards multilateralism as well as an example of a country that tends towards unilateralism and explain why. Explain where you place Slovakia in this respect and for what reasons
4. Characterise the organisation of trusted governance as traditional bureaucracy and as managerialism (NPM) and governance through networks (governance) and explain the link between them by analysing a specific organisation at local, national and supranational levels. Apply and explain with an example
5. Explain with at least two examples the impact of EU policies and EU institutions on decision-making at the local level of governance in Slovakia and in one of the other EU countries
6. Using concrete examples, analyse/evaluate what tools the local/national government (and the EU) can use to directly and indirectly achieve its objectives. Choose one of the levels of governance (supranational, national, regional, local) and compare the actors using a concrete example of the use of different tools to achieve the same objective. Point out the advantages and disadvantages of their use in terms of effectiveness and legitimacy
7. Place Slovakia in the context of the EU in terms of forms and degree of decentralisation of public authority. Explain, using concrete examples from Slovakia and another selected EU country, the implications of a fragmented system of public authority for the design and implementation of public policies
8. What formal opportunities for public input into the public policy-making process exist at local, national and EU level? Apply specific tools for participation and consultation at each level of decision-making. Give reasons for and against the use of participatory tools beyond the law with examples from the practice of the Slovak Republic in the OECD context
9. What models of lobbying regulation are known in the literature and what have been used in Slovakia since 1989? Using concrete examples, explain the differences between corruption and lobbying, as well as conflict of interest and corruption. Explain the relationship between the regulation of conflict of interest and the size of the administered entity, including examples
10. Compare the structure of public revenue and public expenditure of Slovakia with 2 selected OECD countries, one of which has slightly and the other significantly higher revenue and expenditure than Slovakia. Where are the biggest differences and the biggest similarities to be seen? Do these differences manifest themselves in public policy outcomes?
11. What are the main functions of human resource management in the public sector and how does it differ from the private sector? Give examples from Slovakia and a selected EU country
12. Paternalism vs liberal paternalism (practical application and critique), heuristics and failures in human decision making. Explain them with examples and interventions in public policy
Block C will test the ability to apply both the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of study to specific public policy situations. In the national exam, the student will be provided with both a case study text and a related assignment text, which he/she will solve after a short on-site preparation. No particular method of preparation is recommended for this unit, but it is advisable to refresh oneself on the basic features of case studies by studying a specific case study.
In the third part of the state questions, you will work with a specific case study. Each student will choose one of a set of 6 case studies that highlight the impacts as well as the advantages and disadvantages of a particular decision made by politicians or public sector workers.
Students will answer two types of questions, the exact answer will be specified at the state exam:
General questions, through which the student demonstrates an understanding of the basic concepts of public policy.
These questions are as follows:
At which stage of the public policy cycle does the case study take place?
Name the different actors who appear in the case study. What interests do the actors represent?
What tools do the actors use? What other tools are available to the actors?
How can other actors from other levels of power intervene in the problem? What tools do they have to enforce their solutions at the level of government at which the case is taking place?
What formal documents (laws, regulations, strategies) frame the situation that is the subject of the case study? Who is their author?
The specific issues of public policy making and implementation that are linked to the case study and therefore to the problem addressed by the case study. These specific questions are listed at the end of each case study.
Case study 1: Local government response to a fiscal shock
Case study 2: The public service delivery dilemma: towing service
Case study 3: Education of Roma children: the use of public policy instruments in local service delivery
Case study 4: So-called Roma housing in the municipality of Rakúsy as a challenge for policy-makers
Case study 5: Institutions, interests and media: Public policy and the case of Andrea B
Case study 6: Selection of a consultant for the privatisation of Slovak Telecommunications
Case study 7: When it's also about the bird: saving the endangered Bearded Bustard in the Syslovské polia protected bird area in Vtáčkovce
Case study 8: Forming coalitions of actors for universal child vaccination in Slovakia
Case study 9: Public transport "for free" - the dilemma of service provision
Aberbach, J. D., Putnam, R. D., & Rockman, B. A. (1981). Bureaucrats and politicians in western democracies. Harvard university press.
Sičáková-Beblavá, E., Ondrušová, D., & Jacko,T. (2010). Teoretické aspekty politicko- administratívnych vzťahov. Bratislava. UVP.
Beblavý, M. & Sičáková-Beblavá, E. a kol. (2011). Koaličná zmluva či zákon?. Bratislava. UVP.
Peters, B. G. (2018). The politics of bureaucracy: An introduction to comparative public administration. Routledge.
Peters, B. G., & Pierre, J. (Eds.). (2004). The politicization of the civil service in comparative perspective: A quest for control (Vol. 7). Routledge.
Pierson, C. (2012). The modern state. Routledge.
Weighting of interim / final assessment: assignments - 20%, seminar paper - 40%, exam - 40%. The student must have more than 50% in each category.
Cheating includes plagiarism in any form.
Grading scale/grade: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. The state, features of the modern state, actors of the modern state.
2. Theories of justice.
3. The evolution of administration, the "politics" of bureaucracy. Typology of bureaucracy. Trade-offs of bureaucracy in the organizational structure of the state. Reform approaches.
4. Theories of change. Organizational change.
5. Politicians and politics. Typology of politicians. Trade-offs of political systems. Reform approaches.
6. Theoretical foundations of political-administrative relations - theoretical level and typology.
7. Legislative aspects of political-administrative relations, selection of employees in the public sector
8. Political-administrative relations in Slovakia - central level.
9. Political-administrative relations in Slovakia - local level.
10. Administrative reform in the transition process of post-communist countries
11. Work with a case study - The Godfather (M. Puzzo).
12. Presentation of seminar papers
Students will learn the basic concepts of the theory of the state and its actors and within the framework of political-administrative relations. At the same time, they will learn how to analyse the structural-organisational relations between administration and politicians, as well as between bureaucracy and democracy. The acquired knowledge will enable them to analyse the weaknesses and strengths of different political systems and to apply theoretical frameworks - typologies to the analysis of practical examples. Students will also strengthen their teamwork (working on assignments) and presentation skills.
Sičáková-Beblavá , E.- Beblavý, M. (2006): Inštitucionálne dilemy pri zabezpečovaní verejných služieb. TIS, Bratislava
Meríčková, B. – Nemec, J. - Sičáková-Beblavá , E.- Beblavý, M. (2010): Kontrahovanie služieb vo verejnom sektore, TIS, Bratislava
Nemec, J. a kol.(2010): Kontrola ve veřejné správě. Wolters Kluver.
Le Grand (2007): The Other Invisible Hand: Delivering Public Services through Choice and Competition. Princeton University Press.
SIGMA PAPERS NO.45: Public Procurement in EU Member States – The Regulation of Contract Below the EU Thresholds and in Areas not Covered by the Detailed Rules of the EU Directives. OECD
Schiavo-Campo – Sudaran, P.S.A.: (2001): Improving Public Administration in a Competitive World. Asian Development Bank.
Schiavo-Campo, S. – Tommasi, D. (1999): Managing government expenditures. Asian Development Bank.
Ochrana, F. (2007): Manažérske metody vo verejnem sektoru. Teorie, praxe a metodika upltenení. Ekopress.
Ochrana, F. (2008): Zadávaní, hodnocení a kontrola verějných zákazek. Ekopress.
Viac obsahových podkladov je uvedených v moodli predmetu.
Midterm/final assessment weighting: 9 assignments, each assignment is weighted equally. Each assignment must be more than 50% complete.
Cheating includes plagiarism in any form.
Grading scale/grade: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Organizational theories, basic economic approaches to public sector management.
2. Internal provision vs. competition and choice and new public management.
3. Outsourcing and PPP - modalities and their characteristics
4. Public goods theory, externalities and transaction costs vs. public sector decision making, benchmarking.
5. Regulatory framework on contracting in the Slovak Republic and project cycle,
6. Budget rules and the 3E requirement, state aid
7. Public procurement - incomplete contracts, competition, procurement principles: efficiency vs transparency.
8. Public procurement - comparison of approaches to public procurement regulation (OECD), EU regulation and ECJ decisions
9. Public procurement - limits, obliged persons and procedures in the Slovak Republic
10. Evaluation of the chosen solution and control (theory of control and audit, principles, application in the Slovak Republic, effectiveness of control and audit, difference between audit and control
11. Categories of control findings and design of measures, effectiveness and limits of control.
12. Case study - Privatisation of Slovak Telecommunications.
Students will gain knowledge in the field of organizational theories and theories of public administration management. They will apply relevant theories to decision making within individual assignments. They will acquire conceptual and analytical skills, i.e. the ability to work with economic principles when comparing alternatives for the provision of goods by the public sector. Individual assignments are based on actual examples from Slovakia and abroad. In total, students will complete nine assignments.
Therefore, for each session during the semester, students are required to be able to cite/contribute an example of a current news story/report and place it in the context of public policy and specifically public finance and service provision in the public sector.
During the semester, students will consider budget limits and budget rules (3Es), ex ante and ex post audit requirements, public procurement, analysis of external audit findings and the materiality of the findings, proposing actions to the findings, etc. They will build on the theoretical concepts acquired in the Microeconomics and Public Finance courses. The course work will be quite interactive and combines theory with a practical approach (9 assignments during the course), based on concrete cases and examples from Slovakia and abroad.
The assignments will be worked out individually by students and students will present their findings in joint meetings.
Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the commons: The evolution of institutions
for collective action. Cambridge university press.
Beblavý, M. & Sičáková-Beblavá, E. (2006). Inštitucionálne dilemy pri zabezpečovaní verejných služieb. TIS. Bratislava.
McGrew, A., & Held, D. (2002). Governing globalization: power, authority and global governance. Polity Press.
Bradford, A. (2020). The Brussels effect: How the European Union rules the world. Oxford University Press, USA.
Zuckerman, E. (2021). Mistrust: Why Losing Faith in Institutions Provides the Tools to Transform Them. New York, NY: W. W. Norto.
Weighting of the midterm/final assessment: assignments - 20%, seminar paper - 30%, final test - 50%. Students must score above 50% in each category of assessment.
Cheating includes plagiarism in any form.
Grading scale/grade: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Public policy processes and actors in multi-level governance. Corporatist
vs. pluralistic approach.
2. Decentralization as "polity", "policy" and "politics" and trade-offs of decentralization.
3. Public policy instruments at the local government level.
4. Organisational trade-offs in public service delivery. Internal vs external provision. Agencyisation. Outsourcing. PPP projects.
5. Integration. Trade-offs of integration.
6. The Brussels Effect, EU instruments for influencing public policies of member states.
7. Globalisation and the Washington effect.
8. The status and role of international institutions organizations. Slovakia in the supranational and international space.
9. Citizen participation in public policy making at different levels of governance and the role of NGOs
10. Self-management of common goods - the approach of E. Olstrom.
11. Presentation of seminar papers.
12. Presentation of seminar papers.
To acquire a conceptual understanding of the actors and organisational structures in multi-level governance in the public sector and public policy-making in given complex organisational systems. Acquire application skills in comparative research methods and selected approaches of scientific writing techniques. Strengthening analytical skills and critical thinking.
Podmienky na absolvovanie predmetu:
Výber a oslovenie organizácie, v ktorej by chcel študent/študentka absolvovať stáž je v jeho/
jej kompetencii. Odporúča sa konzultovať výber hostiteľskej organizácie a forma stáže s
koordinátorom/rkou predmetu.
Stáž je možné uznať ako účasť na výskumnom
pobyte/terénnom výskume/ či pri pomocnej roli pri aplikovaní výskumného projektu výskumníkov
a výskumníčok z domovskej fakulty ako aj s organizáciami, s ktorými má FSEV UK podpísané
Memorandum o spolupráci.
Predmet predstavuje stáž v inštitúcii so súvisom v študijnom odbore s minimálnou dĺžkou 10 hodín
týždenne (min. 120 hodín) počas posledného semestra štúdia. Podmienkou pre uznanie stáže je:
• zmluva o zabezpečení odbornej stáže
• potvrdenie o stáži z organizácie so špecifikáciou role a časového rámca
• krátka správa o samotnej stáži (nadobudnuté skúsenosti, význam pre štúdium či písanie
diplomových prác)
Hodnotenie: A: 91-100 bodov; B: 81-90 bodov; C: 73-80 bodov; D: 66-72 bodov; E: 60-65 bodov;
Fx: 0-59 bodov
Learning outcomes:
Students will gain practical experience in the application of acquired theoretical and scientific knowledge in their fields of study. They will gain experience in the processing of professional
information, the application of knowledge in a specific topic, specific skills depending on the host institution, and thus the possibility to succeed better on the labour market.
Podmienky na absolvovanie predmetu:
Výber a oslovenie organizácie, v ktorej by chcel študent/študentka absolvovať stáž je v jeho/
jej kompetencii. Odporúča sa konzultovať výber hostiteľskej organizácie a forma stáže s
koordinátorom/rkou predmetu.
Stáž je možné uznať ako účasť na výskumnom
pobyte/terénnom výskume/ či pri pomocnej roli pri aplikovaní výskumného projektu výskumníkov
a výskumníčok z domovskej fakulty ako aj s organizáciami, s ktorými má FSEV UK podpísané
Memorandum o spolupráci.
Predmet predstavuje stáž v inštitúcii so súvisom v študijnom odbore s minimálnou dĺžkou 10 hodín
týždenne (min. 120 hodín) počas posledného semestra štúdia. Podmienkou pre uznanie stáže je:
• zmluva o zabezpečení odbornej stáže
• potvrdenie o stáži z organizácie so špecifikáciou role a časového rámca
• krátka správa o samotnej stáži (nadobudnuté skúsenosti, význam pre štúdium či písanie
diplomových prác)
Hodnotenie: A: 91-100 bodov; B: 81-90 bodov; C: 73-80 bodov; D: 66-72 bodov; E: 60-65 bodov;
Fx: 0-59 bodov
Learning outcomes:
Students will gain practical experience in the application of acquired theoretical and scientific knowledge in their fields of study. They will gain experience in the processing of professional
information, the application of knowledge in a specific topic, specific skills depending on the host institution, and thus the possibility to succeed better on the labour market.
Heller, A., M. Salzman, J. (2021). Mine!: How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives. NY: Doubleday
Kahneman, D., Sibony, O., Sunstein, R., C. (2021). Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment. Little, NY: Brown Spark
Pierson, Ch. (2004). The Modern State (2nd edition). Londýn: Routledge
Eduardo, A., Fritzen S., Howlett M., Ramesh, M. Wu, X. (2012). Routledge Handbook of Public Policy. Abingdon: Routledge.
Sičáková-Beblavá, E., Sloboda, M., Poláková-Suchalová, A. (2018). Spravovanie miestnych samospráv (prečo, čo a ako?). Bratislava: Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave. ISBN:
978-80-223-4662-7
The continuous assessment of the course consists of an assessment for active participation (attendance and active discussion in seminars) of 15% and work with literature and preparation for seminars (submission of assignments) of 50%.
Students are required to read the prescribed readings before the start of the scheduled class. As a result of their preparation, they will hand in an assignment and be able to answer questions and discuss issues related to the topic. Each student has the task of preparing for the seminar by writing a seminar assignment and reading the literature or watching a video.
The final exam in the form of an oral examination accounts for 35% of the overall grade. A minimum score of 60% is required on the final exam. The questions on the final examination are based on the required literature and the assignments.
Assessment scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Public policy as a subject of study and a scientific discipline, 2. Dimensions of public policy, 3. Public policy cycle, 4. Government and bureaucracy, 5. Actors in public policy, 6. Modern state, 7. Dimensions of power, 8. Public value, 9. Agenda setting, 10. Decision-making process, 11. Implementation, 12. Final discussion - summary of the course
Students will learn the basic concepts of public policy - the public policy cycle, actors in public policy, dimensions of public policy, government, the state and bureaucracy, power and public value. They are then able to apply these concepts in solving practical tasks - assignments. Assignments are designed to have students apply concepts, analytical thinking, work with the daily press, and reflect on current events in the world and in Slovakia. The course also aims to train soft skills, through group work and presentations. At the end of the course, students and learners should understand and be able to reflect on the limitations of public policy making and analyse individual public policies in terms of possible implementation failures, and alternative measures.
Yes.
1. Test from the CDA (15 pts), 2. Presentations (10 pts) 3. Seminar research paper (75 points, subdivided into the following partial parts over the semester and collective in nature, unless indicated otherwise). Assignment A (10 pts) Assignment B (10 pts) Assignment C (10 pts, individual assignement) Assignment D (10 pts) Final Assignment E (35 pts): Final Paper + Presentation of your paper Requirements Every assignment has to be fulfilled on time and brought to the class for discussion Tests have to be passed by a minimum of 50% of expected points. For any assignment that is handed in late, one point will be substructed for each day of late submission. The possibility of a retake applies only to the final assignment (Assignment E) and to test and not to other partial assignments. Attendance will be monitored. Cheating on an exam or seminar paper will result in automatic loss of all points in that assignment and possibly an FX for the whole course. Cheating includes plagiarism of any kind.
Grades A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59-0
English language proficiency is required.
Module 1 Civil service Systems
Module 2 – Public value and motivation in the public sector Module 3 – Civil Service Management Models
Module 4 – public service traditions and Eurean administrative space Module 5 – Civil service Principles
Module 6 – Historical development of civil service and Professionalization Module 7 - Recruitment
Module 8 – Career paths of civil servants
Module 9 – Performance management and performance appraisal Module 10 – Civil service remuneration and benefits
Module 11 – Civil Service Termination and Post-Employment Limitations Module 12 – Development of civil servants
Module 13 – Prezentations of own research
The aim of the course is to clarify the basics of scientific research methods and its meaning in political science, including public policy and administration. Furthermore, the aim is to explain to the students the similarities and differences between scientific investigation and other forms of gaining insight in the social life. Overall, the course is designed to familiarize graduate students with various research strategies and styles of social science research (qualitative in particular) and to prepare them to employ those methods in writing their seminar papers and final theses. The aim is to give to the students an insight into research from inside, introduce them to the logic of research process, explain to them particular methods of data collection and analysis emphasizing the method of grounded theory and case study. Students will engage in practical research exercises in a combination of individual and team assignements as a preparation to the seminars. Particular methods taught during this course include interviewing, coding, Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA), Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Legal Analysis (LA).
Staroňová, K. (2011). Vedecké písanie: ako písať akademické a vedecké texty. Martin: Osveta.
Aliotta, M. (2018). Mastering Academic Writing in the Sciences: A Step-by-Step Guide. Londýn: CRC Press
Green, S., Lidinsky, A. (2016). From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A Practical Guide. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s
Galvan L., J., Galvan, C. M. (2017). Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences. NY: Routledge
Van Thiel, S. (2014) Research Methods in Public Administration and Public Management: An Introduction. London: Routledge
Completion of the course is contingent upon the continuous completion and submission of assignments during the semester. The course does not include a final exam, but consists of an ongoing assessment of assignments for each meeting and student activities during the meetings.
The course grade consists of 85% for assignments submitted on an ongoing basis and the final assignment and 15% for activity during the meetings.
Students are required to read the assigned readings prior to the start of the scheduled class.
Grading Scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
he course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Introduction, 2. Academic writing and academic work, 3. Research ethics and plagiarism 4. Argumentation, 5. Structure of academic text (IMRAD), 6. Paragraph (structure, stylistics), 7. Citation and paraphrasing methods and working in Zotero, 8. State of the art, 9. Reading week, 10. Time management and the writing process, 11. Retrieving data from open databases (infodatabases), 12. Final assignment
The course Techniques of Scientific Writing will introduce students to academic writing, the use of scientific knowledge (sources), and the ethics of academic work. The primary goal of this course is to increase the skills of written argumentation (academic argumentative style), text structuring, and to teach students to write clear, comprehensible, and argumentative quality paragraphs (rigorous expression), using academic language in the process. The course includes practice-oriented sessions that focus on argumentation (argumentative style, argument construction), paragraph writing (structure, stylistics), citation, and paraphrasing. The course also includes a practical workshop for administrative data retrieval (info requests). During the semester, students also read scientific articles and through them practice the skill of reading a scientific text, the structure of a scientific text, academic language, the content of different parts of a scientific text, etc. The aim of the course is to improve their ability to (critically) read an academic text and to teach them how to effectively search for and actively engage with relevant academic sources. The course will also teach students how to work in the IMRAD format and use it to write academic texts and to read academic texts effectively.
Any form of plagiarism is considered a disciplinary offense under the Comenius University in Bratislava‘s Disciplinary Regulations for Students and will automatically result in a final course grade of Fx.
Students are obliged to observe the general ethical principles during the study of this course, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Ethics of Comenius University in Bratislava.
Beblavý (2006): Úvod do verejných financií, v Staroňová, K., Beblavá, E. (eds.): Verejná
politika a samospráva: štyri princípy spravovania, ÚVP FSEV UK, Bratislava
Beblavý, M., Beblavá, E. (2006): Reakcia samosprávy na fiskálny šok: Prípadová štúdia hlavného mesta Slovenska Bratislavy, ÚVP FSEV UK, Bratislava
Buchholz, T. (1999): New Ideas from Dead Economists, Plume Books, New York
Marušinec, J. (2007): Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) reforms - Case Study: Slovakia
Stiglitz, J.-E. (1997) Ekonomie veřejného sektoru, Grada Publishing, Prague
Tanzi, V a L. Schuknecht (2000) Public Spending in the 20th Century, Cambridge University, Cambridge
The final assessment consists of an open-question midterm (30%), an 'Oxford debate' where students present arguments for and against the ideas set out (30%) and a final essay (40%).
Cheating includes plagiarism in any form.
Grading scale/mark: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Macroeconomic context of public finances 2. Fiscal indicators 3. Budget process in Slovakia, fiscal rules 4. Categorisation of revenue and expenditure 5. Reading week 6. Midterm exam 7. Tax policy 8. Public expenditure 9. Value for money 10. Fiscal decentralisation 11. The political dimension of public finance 12. The European dimension of public finance
Students will gain the ability to structure public expenditure and revenue at local, regional, national and European levels. They will be able to analyse the evolution of public finances over time and comparatively between countries. They will be able to place macroeconomic issues in a broader macroeconomic, social and political context.
Staroňová, K. Vedecké písanie: ako písať akademické a vedecké texty. Martin: Osveta, 2011. Čmejrková S., Daneš F., Světlá J.: Jak napsat odborný text. Praha: Leda, 1999.
Katuščák, D. : Ako písať vysokoškolské a kvalifikačné práce. Bratislava: Stimul, 1998 Eco, U.: Jak napsat diplomovou práci. Olomouc: Votobia 1998.
Turabian, K.: A manual for writers of term papers, theses and dissertations. Chicago: Chicago Press, 1996.
- analysis of two existing theses (40%): continuous assignments, to be handed in during the semester
- research plan (60%). Includes a research journal and continuously submitted research plan sections.
Grading scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
The course is taught in Slovak language.
What is the final thesis and organizing the course of state examinations, defenses.
Construction of a scientific text. Coherence of the scientific text. Work with sources. Plagiarism and its punishment.
Preparation of the scientific text: the content of the individual chapters of the thesis (aim, basic elements, formal aspect).
Temporal, logistical, organisational and psychological aspects of the preparation of the thesis.
The course introduces students to the basic elements of a thesis and its writing. The main goal is to systematically prepare students to write a final thesis in order to meet the content and formal requirements of a university scientific thesis. The course will also provide background information and an overview of the literature that students may follow during the writing of their thesis, including consultation with their thesis advisor.
Čmejrková S., Daneš F., Světlá J.: Jak napsat odborný text. Praha: Leda, 1999.
Katuščák, D. : Ako písať vysokoškolské a kvalifikačné práce. Bratislava: Stimul, 1998
Eco, U.: Jak napsat diplomovou práci. Olomouc: Votobia 1998.
Turabian, K.: A manual for writers of term papers, theses and dissertations. Chicago: Chicago Press, 1996.
Submitted working version of the thesis.
Regular consultations with the supervisor.
Assessment scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
The course is taught in Slovak language.
A brief overview of the methodology of writing scientific theses, including the thesis: formal aspects, citations, paraphrasing, references, literature search and processing, structuring the text, working with data, preparation of tables, graphs and other empirical material.
Defining the problem, hypothesis and choice of method. Preparation of the thesis project. Preparation of literature for the project.
Preparation of the theoretical and methodological chapter.
First version of the thesis and commenting procedure. Processing of the thesis.
Preparation of the thesis with the help of regular consultations with the supervisor.
Učebnica CORE dostupná online na core-econ.org
Mankiw, G.: The Principles of Economics, South-Western College Pub, 2011.
Ariely, D.: Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions, Harper, 2009 (česky Jak drahé je zdarma).
Bierman, H a Fernandez, L.: Game Theory with Economic Applications, Addison-Wesley, 1998.
Buckley, P. a Michie, J.: Firms, organizations and contracts, Oxford University Press, 1996.
Flynn, S.: Economics for Dummies, Wiley Publishing, 2005.
Friedman, L.: The Microeconomics of Public Policy Analysis, Princeton University Press, 2002.
Milgrom, P. a Roberts, J.: Economics, organization and management, Prentice Hall International, 1992.
Sandler, T.: Economic Concepts for the Social Sciences, Cambridge University Press, 2001.
Assessment consists of (i) Midterm test - 30% (ii) Final essay (case study) - 60% and activity assessment - 10%. Cheating, including plagiarism in any form, entails an FX grade and other consequences as per the applicable faculty regulations. Grading scale/mark: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Capitalism and growth 2. Social interactions and game theory, Nash equilibrium and Pareto optimum 3. Economics in public policy 4. Actor preferences, MRS=MRT 5. Institutions and their role in economic decision making 6. Firms and market functioning, competition, transaction costs and completeness of contracts 7. Cost-benefit analysis 8. Supply and demand 9. Labour market 10. Market and its failures, information asymmetries, externalities 11. Causes and consequences of economic inequalities 12. Economy and environment.
Students will acquire the ability to work with economic principles in the analysis of public policies. They will learn how to work with basic quantitative tools of economic analysis to solve real-world problems. They will acquire the ability to use microeconomic concepts in the analysis of public policies.
Swingewood, A. (2000) A Short History of Sociological Thought (third edition). Houndsmills Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Grusky, D. B. (2018) Social Stratification: Class, Race and Gender in Sociological Perspective. New York NY: Routledge
Hirschman, A. O. 1970. Exit, Voice, and Loyalty. Responses to Decline in Firms, Organizations,
and States. Cambridge, MA and London, England: Harvard University Press.
Dobbins, T., Johnstone, S., Kahancová, M. Lamare, R. J. and Wilkinson, A. (2023) Comparative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on work and employment — Why industrial relations institutions matter, in Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Vol. 62, No. 2, pp. 115-125.
Holubová, B. and Kahancová, M. (2022) Revisiting the Concept of Precarious Work in Times of Covid-19. In Choonara, J., Murgia, A. and Carno, R. M. (eds.) Faces of Precarity: Critical Perspectives on Work, Subjectivities and Struggles. Bristol: Bristol University Press.
Brunnerová, S., Holubová, B., Kahancová, M., and Martišková, M. (2023) DEFEN-CE: Social Dialogue in Defense of Vulnerable Groups in the Post-Covid-19 Labour Markets: Report on Czechia and Slovakia. CELSI Research Report 57/2023, https://celsi.sk/en/publications/research-reports/detail/289/social-dialogue-in-defence-of-vulnerable-groups-in-post-covid-19-labour-markets-slovakia-and-czechia/
Kahancová, M. and Uhlerová, M. (2023) Slovakia: From Politics to Bread-and-Butter Unionism. In Müller, T., Vandaele, K. and Waddington, J. (eds.) Trade Unions in Europe. Brussels: Peter Lang Publishing.
Weighting of continuous assessment: completion of weekly assignments 30%, in-class presentations 10%, active class participation (engaging in discussions) 10%, final essay 50%.
Seminar assignments are due each week and handed in on the due date before class. Late submission automatically means a loss of 50% points. Two assignments per semester may be improved by incorporating comments from the instructor. Assignments are tied to the readings and the application of the concepts read to a specific sociological problem in public policy.
Grading scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak, the literature is in English.
1. Social construct, sociological paradigms and public policy
2. Social Classes and Social Mobility
3. Social capital and its relation to public policy
4. Social stratification and redistribution in society
5. Institutions and institutional change
6. Conflicts in society between groups, insiders vs. outsiders
7. Social cohesion and collective solidarity
8. Reading week (Easter)
9. Mobilisation in society (social movements and social action)
10. Ruling class, elite society, power relations
11. Poverty and social inequality
12. Postmodern approaches in sociology: ethnic, feminist and gender approaches and their application in public policy
13. Vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society
14. Presentations of thesis proposals
Upon completion of the course, students will have a sociological conceptual apparatus that will enable them to analyse various aspects of public policies. Graduates will be able to apply sociological paradigms and perspectives to social problems and their public policy solutions. They will be able to find and use evidence (data, documents) to analyse social problems and the ways in which public policies approach them.
• Hatry, H. – Blair, L. – Fisk, D. (1987). Program Analysis for State and Local Governments. Washington, D.C.: Urban Institute.
• Morse, Kristin – Struyk, Raymond (2006). Policy Analysis for Effective Development: Strengthening Transition Economies. Lynne Rienner Publisher.
• Kingdon J. (2004). Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies. 2nd ed. Longman.
• Rose, R. (1993). Lesson-Drawing in Public Policy: A Guide to Learning Across Time and Space. Chatham, N.J.: Chatham House.
• Sabatier, P. (2007). Theories of the Policy Process. 2nd ed. London: Westview.
• Staroňová, Katarína (2009). Hodnotenie vplyvov: Regulatory Impact assessment v teórii a praxi Slovenska a Európskej Únive. Bratislava: ÚVP.
• Staroňová, Katarína a kol. (2007). Ťažké rozhodnutia : päť prípadových štúdií verejnej politiky zo Slovenska. Bratislava: ÚVP.
• Stone, Deborah (1997). Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making. 2nd ed. New York: Norton.
• Veselý Arnošt – Nekola, Martin (eds.) (2007). Analýza a tvorba veřejných politik: přístupy, metody a praxe. Praha: Slon.
• Veselý, A. 2005. Vymezení problému ve veřejné politice. Metody a metodologie strukturace, definice, modelování a formulace problému. Praha: CESES FSV UK.
• Weimer D., Vining.A. (1998). Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Young, Eoin and Lisa Quinn (2002). Writing Effective Public Policy Papers. Budapest: Open Society Foundation. (slovenská verzia 2008 – Ako písať účinné analytické dokumenty)
1) development of a written assignment - policy brief (50%). The paper consists of several parts, which are handed in continuously during the semester or brought to class:
a) Stakeholder analysis,
b) Analysis of the problem by selecting from some methods (e.g., problem tree, classification analysis, hierarchical analysis, or symbolism + SMART objectives
c) Multi-criteria analysis
d) Development of an accompanying spreadsheet (captured intermediate tasks) to prepare the final version of the policy brief
Due to the continuously submitted and assessed parts of the written assignment, there is no revision deadline. A minimum of 50% of the required marks is required to pass the course.
2) Active participation in class - continuous assignments of working with case studies (30%): the student will prepare 6 "worksheets" which the pair will hand in a) before the class (DU 1, 3, 5) in which the case study will be worked with (3 points) b) 10 days after the class (DU 2, 4, 6) with a new type of case study (7 points). As a prerequisite for the course, you must turn in ALL of the casework.
Subtask 1, 2 - RIA analysis
Subtasks 3, 4 - comparison of the "Policy Study" and the "Policy Brief" Subtasks 5, 6 - preparation of indicators
3) simulation of a local government council meeting (20%)
The remedial term is in the form of an exam.
Assessment scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. The role of evidence and analysis in public policy (what is evidence analysis, evidence based policy making, knowledge utilization): types of knowledge (scientific, lay, expert, professional) and their use in public policy making
2. Theories of public policy making (rational model and its critique: window of opportunity theory, advocacy coalition framework, punctuated equilibrium)
3. Public policy context: stakeholder groups, stakeholder analysis, participatory tools
4. Regulatory impact assessment in the legislative process SR, EU
5. Outputs of public policy analysis: policy papers (policy brief, policy study)
6. Defining and structuring the problem from a rational perspective (classification analysis, problem tree, synectics, mapping...) + problem as a social construct
7. Creation of criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, equity, technical elaboration, administrative and political feasibility) and indicators
8. Data sources and problem-solving options: innovations, policy transfers
9. Reading week
10. Analysis of solutions and recommendations: results matrix/multicriteria analysis
11. Recommendation and presentation of analysis
12. Simulation of the council meeting
After successful completion of the course, students are able to understand the essence of evidence-based policy making and knowledge in terms of practical activities carried out by experts, consultants, officials, advisors. Students will gain a basic overview of models of public policy making and understand the stages of public policy analysis. They will also gain an overview of the basic methods and techniques of public policy analysis and be able to apply knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods in practice and build skills in their application at the macro and micro level of public policy making (through case studies). They will also build their ability to argue and advocate an agenda/proposed solution in public policy making using policy documents, especially policy briefs and policy studies. Students have the ability to compare different models with the reality in the Slovak Republic (differences in coalition type of governments), the EU and recommendations for improvement prepared by supranational organisations. The course also aims to increase soft skills, such as cooperation skills (in solving case studies), communication, self-presentation, coordination. Students will develop the ability to critically and consistently analyze public policy issues, which is incorporated into a simulation of the decision-making process.
The assessment of students is based on activity in meetings (20%), continuous work on assignments (40%), a test (20%) and a final presentation (20%).
Meeting activity is assessed on the basis of attendance at meetings (10%) and activity during the meeting (10%). Total weighting of 20 %.
Ongoing work on assignments consists of four assignments during the semester, each assignment weighted at 10% of the total grade. In total, the assignments have a weight of 40%. Students/submit assignments during the semester and no revision of assignments is possible.
The test will test the students' knowledge at the end of the semester. The test does not take the form of a final exam, but a midterm test in a meeting that summarizes the background information and concepts needed to develop the final presentations. The test is weighted at 20% and no make-up testing is allowed.
The final presentation is weighted at 20%. Final presentations will be given during two class meetings during the teaching portion of the semester.
A prerequisite for passing the course is the submission of four midterm assignments and the completion of the final presentation.
Grading Scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
Brief outline of the course:
1. Introductory meeting - Organization of meetings and the course. Introduction to public policy tools.
2. Regulatory instruments I.
3. Regulatory instruments II.
4. Economic instruments I.
5. Economic instruments II.
6. Information tools I.
7. Reading week (Easter)
8. Information tools II.
9. Participation - Involving the public in public policy making.
10. Administrative tools I.
11. Administrative tools II.
12. Summary of the course.
13. Presentations I.
14. Presentations II.
Any form of plagiarism is considered a disciplinary offense under the Comenius University in Bratislava‘s Disciplinary Regulations for Students and will automatically result in a final course grade of Fx.
Students are obliged to observe the general ethical principles during the study of this course, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Ethics of Comenius University in Bratislava.
By taking this course, students should gain knowledge about different types of public policy instruments, their mechanism of operation, their advantages and disadvantages. The aim of the course is not to analyse in depth each specific public policy instrument, but to enable students to understand the dynamics of instruments in the policy-making process - their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, their attachment to actors, and the expected implications in managing the implementation of the instrument. The fundamentals of the course are based on theoretical literature from the Anglo-Saxon environment, but this will be complemented by case studies or actual examples from the domestic environment and from abroad.
Pavlovský, P. (2020). Teória postrčenia v koncepciách verejnej politiky a spravovania:(a príklady jej aplikácie v rámci slovenskej samosprávy). Městská knihovna Břeclav.
Sičáková–Beblavá, E. (2015). Behaviorálne základy verejnej politiky. Univerzita Komenského, Bratislava, 21, 22.
Thaler, R. H., & Sunstein, C. R. Nudge: Improving decisions about health, wealth, and happiness.
Sičáková-Beblavá, E. - Sloboda, M. - Pavlovský, P. (2020). Behaviorálna verejná politika pre miestnu samosprávu. Univerzita Komenského, Bratislava.
Lidwell, W. (2015). The Pocket Universal Principles of Design.
Weighting of the midterm/final evaluation: - assignments - 40%, design of experiment - 50, presentation of design of experiment - 10%. Students must score above 50% in each category of assessment.
Cheating includes plagiarism in any form.
Grading scale/grade: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Theories of mind, reasoning and decision making. 2. Preferences and choices. 3. Heuristics, biases, decision making and public policy. 4. Moral psychology, decision making and public policy. 5. Social psychology. 6. Systematic errors in decision making, public policies as solutions to the propensity to make errors in decision making. 7. The role of the experimental method in public policy, the procedure for designing an experiment. 8. Nudges and ethics. 9. Self nudging. 10. Political and bureaucratic psychology and decision errors. 11. Consumer psychology. 12. Presentation of seminar papers (behavioral experiment design).
Students will gain an understanding of the factors influencing individual behaviour and an understanding of behavioural tools of public administration in the field of behavioural change in society. Furthermore, students will gain skills to create a design for a behavioral experiment in public administration and, under the guidance of the instructors, create and defend such a behavioral experiment design (in the form of a pre-defined presentation). In this way, students will gain knowledge regarding the main concepts of behavioural public policy and the procedural knowledge needed to conduct experiments. They will apply the acquired knowledge to the creation of a concrete experimental design. A final presentation is used to critically evaluate the proposed design.
Sloboda, M., Sičáková-Beblavá, E., Patrik Pavlovský. (2020). Chytré spravovanie samospráv: nová paradigma modernizácie verejnej správy a slovenská prax. Bratislava: Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave.
Sičáková-Beblavá, E., Sloboda, M., Poláková-Suchalová, A. (2018). Spravovanie miestnych samospráv (prečo, čo a ako?). Bratislava: Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave. ISBN: 978-80-223-4662-7
Svara, H., J. (2007). Leadership by top Administrators in a Changing World: New Challenges in Political-Administrative Relations. In: Morse, S., R., Buss, F., T. (Eds). Transforming Public Leadership for the 21st Century. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe. s. 69-102
Heinelt, H., Magnier, A., Cabria, M., Reynaert, H. (eds). (2018). Political Leaders and Changing Local Democracy: The European Mayor. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67410-0
Sloboda, M., Kollárik, M., Suchalová-Poláková, A., Trutkowski, C. (2020). Training needs analysis of local government in Slovakia. Bratislava: Ústav verejnej politiky.
Completion of the course is conditional on an interim assessment and passing the final examination. The interim assessment consists of 65% and the final examination of 35% of the total assessment (100 points).The interim assessment consists of two parts and the final examination of one part:
(a) assignments to be prepared, worked out before the meeting and submitted in moodle (45%),
b) attendance at meetings and active participation by asking questions, answering questions during the meeting (20%),
c) final exam in the form of an oral exam (35%). The questions on the final exam are based on the required literature.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Students are required to read the prescribed literature before the start of the scheduled class. As a result of their preparation, they will be able to answer questions and discuss issues related to the topic.
Assessment Scale: A: 100-91 B: 90-81 C: 80-73 D: 72-66 E: 65-60 FX: 59- 0
The course is taught in Slovak language.
1. Introduction of the course and dimensions of public policy, 2. Policy, politics and polity in the context of local self-government, 3. History of the city, 4. Competences of local and regional self-government, 5. State of local and regional self-government in Slovakia, 6. Decentralization - different models and approaches, 7. Reading week, 8. Fiscal decentralization in Slovakia, 9. Political systems of local governments, 10. Legislative process in local self-government, 11. How does the system of decentralization work in practice? - discussion, 12. Provision of services at the municipal level.
The course will guide students through the basic concepts of local and regional politics such as decentralisation, service provision and delivery, political systems in local government, the methods and process of public policy making, opportunities for citizen participation in public policy making and smart governance. The main focus of the course is on the functioning of the system of local governments and regions in Slovakia and on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the system. By completing the course, each student will gain knowledge that will enable them to navigate the system of local and regional politics in Slovakia and to take advantage of the opportunities that the system offers for active citizens. The course also aims to strengthen analytical skills in the preparation of assignments and critical thinking through discussion in meetings.
Cibulka, Ľ. a kol. (1997). Štátoveda. Bratislava: Wolters Kluwer,
Barber, S. A., Fleming, J. (2007). Constitutional Interpretation: The Basic Questions. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
Giba, M. a kol. (2019) Ústavné právo. Bratislava: Wolters Kluwer, 2019
Rosenfeld, M. – Sajó, A. (edt.) (2012): The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Constitutional Law. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press.
Qvortrup, M. (edt.) (2014). Referendums Around the World. The Continued Growth of Direct Democracy. London: Palgrave Macmillan,
Schmidt, V. Democracy in Europe. (2006). The EU and National Polities. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press
Yes
100 % continuous grading (of which 50 % written part about halfway through the semester, 50 % oral part at the end of the semester). For each lesson, students are given specific assignments for which they are required to prepare and which are discussed during class.
The course is taught in Slovak language.
To fully complete the course, it is necessary to follow the current legal and political developments. Part of the course is always devoted to the analysis of the most current relevant legal and political issues in practice.
1. Definition of law, legal system, sources of law, natural and positive law,
2. Historical aspects of the formation of the constitutional system of Slovakia, preamble of the Constitution
3. Interpretation and application of political rights, proportionality test
4. Restriction of fundamental rights in times of emergency
5. Protection of the public interest in the exercise of the functions of public officials, parliamentary immunity
6. Lawmaking in the Slovak Republic - comment procedure, right of legislative
right of initiative, impact of European Union law
7. National and local referendum, legal force and binding force
8. Form of government in Slovakia, relations between the supreme constitutional bodies
9. Constitutional justice, models and creation of the Constitutional Court
10. Elections and electoral law
11. Political parties, their formation, dissolution and financing
12. Current legal-political problems in practice - analysis
After completing the course, the student understands the functioning and institutes of law as a basic regulatory instrument of the life of society, the essential legal-political features and institutional context of the Slovak constitutional system, including its origin and subsequent development. The student is familiar with the theoretical and practical issues related to direct democracy and elections in the conditions of Slovakia. The student will be able to understand the impact of politics on public law in the national and European context.
Recommended literature:
Required readings:
BURNHAM, P., GILLAND, K., GRANT, W. And Z.LAYTON-HENRY. 2004. Research
Methods in Politics. London: Palgrave MacMillan.
FISHER, Frank. 2003. Reframing Public Policy: Discursive Politics and Deliberative Practices. New York: Oxford University Press. [ďalej Fisher, Reframing Public Policy]
KVALE, Steiner. 1996. Interviews: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: Sage Publications.
RAGIN, Charles, C. 1994. Constructing Social Research. London : Pine Forge Press. YIN, Robert. 2003. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications. [ďalej Yin, Case Study].
Additional readings:
CRESSWELL, John. W. 1998. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five Traditions. London: Sage Publications. [ďalej Cresswell, Qualitative Inquiry].
DENZIN, Norman. 2005. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research.3rd ed. London: Sage Publications.
DISMAN, Miroslav. 1993. Jak se vyrábí sociologická znalost. Praha: Univerzita Karlova Karolinum.
HENDL, Jan. 2005. Kvalitativní výzkum: Základní metody a aplikace. Praha: Portál. [ďalej Hendl, Kvalitativní výzkum].
LEIX, Alicija. 2003. „K problematice transkriptu ve spoločenských vědách,“ Biograf č.31, s. 69-84.
MILES, Matthew – HUBERMAN, A. Michael. 1994. Qualitative Data Analysis. 2nd ed. London: Sage Publications.
PATTON, Michael Q. 2001. Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. 3rd ed. Oaklands: Sage Publications.
SILVERMAN, David. 1994. Interpreting Qualitative Data. Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Conversation. London: Sage Publications.
STAKE, Robert E. 1995. The Art of Case Study Research. New York: Sage Publications.
Conditions for passing the course:
Seminar research paper divided into intermediate parts on:
Assignment A 10 points + 5 points: elaboration of the theoretical part, including the research problem + 3 research questions
Task B 10 points: defining the case study
Task C 10 points: interview protocols
Task D 10 points: qualitative interview (recording) + transcripts
Task E 10 points: coding
Research presentation 15 points
Final paper 30 points: seminar paper
Each assignment must be turned in on time and brought to class for discussion.
A point will be deducted for each day late.
Only the Final Paper can be retaken, not the other midterm assignments. Attendance will be registered.
Cheating on a quiz or term paper will result in the loss of all points on that assignment and possibly FX in the entire course. Cheating includes plagiarism in any form.
Rating: A: 91-100 points; B: 81-90 points; C: 73-80 points; D: 66-72 points; E: 60-65 points; Fx: 0-59 points
Course contents:
1. Introduction (What does the scientific approach mean in the social sciences)
2. Philosophy of science
3. From theory to empirical research
4. Research design (case study)
5. Data collection: interview and observation
6. Interview: simulation
7. Data sources: policy documents and administrative data
8. Process tracing and international dimension of research
9. Analysis of legal documents
10. Data analysis: coding
11. Interpretation
12. Research presentations
Learning outcomes:
The course aims to clarify the fundamentals of scholarship and its relevance to political science, including public policy and administration. Students will perceive the similarities and differences between scholarly work and other forms of knowledge production. Students will gain an understanding of different research strategies and styles of social science research (especially qualitative research) and be prepared to use these methods in writing term papers and theses. The goal is to give students an insider's view of scholarly work, introduce them to the logic of the research process, and explain specific methods of data collection and analysis emphasizing grounded theory and case studies. In doing so, students will gain knowledge and skills in the application of the following qualitative methods: interviewing, coding, qualitative content analysis, critical discourse analysis, and legal analysis.
Recommended literature:
hooks, b. (2000) Feminism is for everybody. Passionate Politics. Pluto Press.
Hawkesworth, M. (2013) Sex, Gender, and Sexuality: from Naturalized Presumption to Analytical Categories. In Waylen, G., Cellis, K., Kantola, J., Weldon, L.: The Oxford Handbook of Gender and Sexuality. Oxford University Press.
Verloo, M. (2001) Another Velvet Revolution? Gender Mainstreaming and the Politics of Implementation. IWM Working Papers No. 5/2001.
Bacchi, C. and Eveline, J. (2010). Mainstreaming Politics: Gendering Practices and Feminist Theory. University of Adelaide.
Philips, A. (2004). Defending Equality of Outcome. Journal of Political Philosophy, 12 (1), str. 1 – 19. Blackwell Publishing.
Ferguson, L. (2013). Gender, Work, and Sexual Division of Labour. In Waylen, G., Cellis, K., Kantola, J., Weldon, L.: The Oxford Handbook of Gender and Sexuality. Oxford University Press.
Einhorn, B. (2010). Labour Market Access: Persistent Patterns of Inequality. In Einhorn, B.: Citizenship in an Enlarging Europe. From Dream to Awakening. Palgrave MacMillan, Hampshire – New York, pp. 144 – 170.
Stratigaki, M. (2004) The Cooptation of Gender Concepts in EU Policies: The Case of Reconciliation of Work and Family. Social Politics, 11/1, Oxford University Press.
Fraser, N. (1990). Rethinking the Public Sphere: A Contribution to the Critique of Actually Existing Democracy. In Social Text. Vol. 26. No 25, pp. 56 – 80.
Burt, M. (1991) Rape Myths and Acquaintance Rape. In Parrot, A. a Benchhofer, L. (eds.): Acquaintance Rape. The Hidden Crime. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Guerette, S. M. a Caron, .S L. (2007) Assessing the Imapct of Acquaintance Rape: Interviews with Women Who Are Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault While in College. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 22(2), 31 – 50. The Haworth Press, Inc.
Johnson, M.P. (2010) A Typology of Domestic Violence: Intimate Terrorism, Violent Resistence and Situational Couple Violence.
Conditions for passing the course:
15% - active participation in discussions on required reading on weekly basis
30% - individual or group presentation on additional reading
55% - final paper
Rating: A: 91-100 bodov; B: 81-90 bodov; C: 73-80 bodov; D: 66-72 bodov; E: 60-65 bodov; Fx: 0-59 bodov
Course contents:
1. Introduction to gender equality policies
2. Feminisms and gender equality
3. Gender, sex, discourse
4. Equal opportunities vs. equality of outcomes
5. Specific gender equality policies
6. Gender in paid work
7. Gender and care
8. Gender and politics
9. Sexual violence against women
10. Intimate partner violence against women
11. Analysis public policies from gender aspects – case study
Learning outcomes:
The aim of the course is to get familiar with gender equality concepts and theoretical background, as well as tools how to implement them in public policy. The first part of the course focuses on theoretical approaches towards gender equality in policies, different understanding of gender and gender equality such as antidiscrimination, equal treatment, equality of results and gender mainstreaming. This part also introduces feminisms as theoretical basis for gender equality approaches. The second part addresses application of gender equality into policies in the most apparent areas of paid and unpaid work, violence against women and women in politics. Besides discussing examples of implementation of gender equality in policies, the course aims to introduce theoretical and methodological tools how to examine it. The course is interdisciplinary and tackles various areas such as gender studies, policy analysis, political science, sociology and their intersections. Students are expected to understand the most common gender equality concepts and to use them analytically in their academic work.
Recommended literature:
Field, A. P., Miles, J., & Field, Z. (2012). Discovering statistics using R. London; Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Fogarty, B. J. (2019). Quantitative social science data with R: An introduction. London: SAGE.
Hendl, J. (2015). Přehled statistických metod: Analýza a metaanaýza dat. Praha: PORTÁL.
Littvay, L., Moise, A., Fabo, B., Batrićević, N., & Stankov, N. (n.d.). Introduction to R. Retrieved 27 January 2022, from https://levente.littvay.hu/granada/fullRclass.html
Navarro, D. (2022). Learning statistics with R: A tutorial for psychology students and other beginners (Version 0.6). Retrieved from https://learningstatisticswithr.com/lsr-0.6.pdf
Pollock, P. H., & Edwards, B. C. (2018). An R companion to political analysis (Second edition). Thousand Oaks, California: CQ Press.
Thulin, M. (2021). Modern statistics with R: From wrangling and exploring data to inference and predictive modelling. EOS Chasma Press. Retrieved from http://www.modernstatisticswithr.com/
Conditions for passing the course:
Students will develop their own simple analytical group project, working in groups of two to answer a policy-relevant question using one of the provided simple training datasets. The first milestone (due mid semester) will contain a clear description of the question to be addressed as well as a detailed overview of the data and descriptive statistics using one the provided training datasets. In the second deliverable, students will develop methodology and apply a statistical technique covered in the class. All projects will be presented to the class in the last week.
Deliverables:
1. 2-4 page overview of the puzzle and data (due mid-semester) = 30 points
1. Presentation of the findings (final week) = 20 points
2. 8-10 page final analytical report (exam period) = 50 points
Rating: A: 91-100 points; B: 81-90 points; C: 73-80 points; D: 66-72 points; E: 60-65 points; Fx: 0-59 points
Course contents:
1. Introduction; 2. Getting started with R and R Studio; 3. Intro to working in R Studio; 4. Descriptive statistics; 5. Transformation of variables; 6. Missing values; 7.Reading week; 8. Data visualization; 9. Hypothesis testing; 10. Means comparison; 11. Recapitulation; 12. Project presentations
Learning outcomes:
• Students will be able to manage, visualize and analyze their data using the R programming language
• Highly interactive “learning by doing” approach will enable students to better internalize theoretical statistical concepts
• Students will be guided in their first steps on the road to gain basic programming competence
Recommended literature:
Field, A. P., Miles, J., & Field, Z. (2012). Discovering statistics using R. London; Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Fogarty, B. J. (2019). Quantitative social science data with R: An introduction. London: SAGE.
Hendl, J. (2015). Přehled statistických metod: Analýza a metaanaýza dat. Praha: PORTÁL.
Littvay, L., Moise, A., Fabo, B., Batrićević, N., & Stankov, N. (n.d.). Introduction to R. Retrieved 27 January 2022, from https://levente.littvay.hu/granada/fullRclass.html
Navarro, D. (2022). Learning statistics with R: A tutorial for psychology students and other beginners (Version 0.6). Retrieved from https://learningstatisticswithr.com/lsr-0.6.pdf
Pollock, P. H., & Edwards, B. C. (2018). An R companion to political analysis (Second edition). Thousand Oaks, California: CQ Press.
Thulin, M. (2021). Modern statistics with R: From wrangling and exploring data to inference and predictive modelling. EOS Chasma Press. Retrieved from http://www.modernstatisticswithr.com/
Conditions for passing the course:
Students will develop their own research group project (groups of 3) in three deliverables using real datasets. Students will be given a list of some freely available datasets to choose from, but they will be free to use any other dataset that is relevant to the research puzzle. The first deliverable (due mid semester) will contain a clear description of the puzzle to be addressed as well as the description of the data, descriptive statistics and explanation of the methodological approach to be applied. In the second deliverable, students will prepare and present a non-technical report of their initial findings. Projects will be presented to the class in the presence of a professional analyst. In the final deliverable, students will deliver a fully documented outcomes of the analytical exercise.
Deliverables
• 5 page research design document with descriptives (due mid-semester) = 30 points
• Non-technical presentation of findings (due final week) = 20 points
• 8-10 page final research report (exam period) = 50 points
Rating: A: 91-100 points; B: 81-90 points; C: 73-80 points; D: 66-72 points; E: 60-65 points; Fx: 0-59 points
Course contents:
1.Introduction/recap from Statistics I; 2. Scripts, loops, conditionals; 3. Functions, principles of coding; 4. Crosstabs; 5. Parametric and non-parametric tests; 6. Reading week; 7. ANOVA; 8. Linear regression; 9. Model diagnostics; 10. Non-linear regression; 11. Factor analysis; 12. Recap
Learning outcomes:
• Students will be able to independently run a technically correct analysis on real datasets
• Students will master the basic programming skills (loops, functions, conditionals)
• Students will learn to present findings based on a statistical analysis in a report format ready-made for technical and non-technical audiences
Odporúčaná literatúra:
Arundel, A. (2023). How to design, implement and analyse a survey. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Babbie, E. R. (2011). The basics of social research (5th edition). Australia; Belmont, CA: Wadsworth / Cengage Learning.
Benes, V., & Drulák, P. (Eds.). (2020). Metodologie výzkumu politiky. Praha: SLON.
Bueno de Mesquita, E., & Fowler, A. (2021). Thinking clearly with data: A guide to quantitative reasoning and analysis. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2019). Social research methods (5th Canadian edition). Oxford University Press.
Coolican, H. (2014). Research methods and statistics in psychology (6th edition). London; New York, NY: Psychology Press.
Crano, W. D., Brewer, M. B., & Lac, A. (2014). Principles and methods of social research (Third edition). New York, NY: Routledge.
Crump, M. J. C., & Navarro, D. J. (2018). Answering questions with data: Introductory statistics for psychology students. Retrieved from https://crumplab.github.io/statistics/
Crump, M. J. C., Price, P. C., Jhangiani, R., Chiang, I.-C. A., & Leighton, D. C. (2017). Research methods for psychology. Retrieved from https://crumplab.github.io/ResearchMethods/
Fogarty, B. J. (2019). Quantitative social science data with R: An introduction. London: SAGE.
Galvan, M., & Pyrczak, F. (2024). Writing empirical research reports: A basic guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences (9th edition). Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Huntington-Klein, N. (2022). The effect: An introduction to research design and causality. BocaRaton, FL: CRC Press.
Kellstedt, P. M., & Whitten, G. D. (2013). The fundamentals of political science research (2nd edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kline, R. B. (2020). Becoming a behavioral science researcher: A guide to producing research that matters (Second edition). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Pollock, P. H. (2020). The essentials of political analysis (Sixth Edition). Washington, D.C: CQ Press.
Rich, R. C., Brians, C. L., Manheim, J. B., & Willnat, L. (2018). Empirical political analysis Quantitative and qualitative research methods (9th edition). New York: Routledge.
Spiegelhalter, D. (2019). The art of statistics: Learning from data. London: Pelican
The course consists of 10 assignments during the semester and 1 final assignment at the end of the semester’s teaching period. The necessary precondition for successful undertaking of these assignments and final assignment is class attendance. Students are not allowed to submit assignments without being present in the class.
Students are expected to prepare 10 assignments during the semester. In each assignment, they will practice the grasping of elements of the research process including operationalization, formulation of hypothesis, sampling, data description, questionnaire design, hypothesis testing, data analysis, interpretation of results, and open science practices structured in the IMRaD format.
Students will submit the final assignment at the end of the semester. Final assignment will be based on weekly assignments.
Evaluation criteria:
• 10 assignments (1 assignment = 6 points) = 60 points
• 1 final assignment = 40 points
Rating: A: 91-100 points; B: 81-90 points; C: 73-80 points; D: 66-72 points; E: 60-65 points; Fx: 0-59 points
1. Introduction to the course; 2. Research design; 3. Reporting quantitative research in IMRaD format; 4. Data and variables; 5. Summarizing numbers – frequency distribution and central tendency; 6. Sampling; 7. Surveys and questionnaires; 8. Reading week; 9. Experiments and measures of association and causation; 10. Hypotheses; 11. Group comparisons; 12. Regression; 13. Final assignment + Summary of the course
The course presents a practical experience how to conduct quantitative research in political science. Students will learn the following skills:
• how to develop research designs, conceptualizations, operationalizations, hypotheses, research materials and procedures, participants, and various types of statistical analysis used in surveys, experiments, quantitative content analysis, evaluation research or analysis of existing data
• how to report quantitative research in IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format
• how to understand and interpret quantitative data
• how to distinguish types of variables and how it influences related statistical procedures
• how to apply open science practices in their own research