Public Policy

Introductory Concepts of Economics

The curricular unit is based on active learning methods that combine:
– Theoretical-practical classes featuring exposition of fundamental concepts, supported by examples and discussion of public policy texts and data.
– Group discussions and debates, particularly on the topic of democracy and political choice, stimulating critical thinking and the confrontation of perspectives on policy alternatives.
– Case studies applied to different subtopics (health, social security, education, energy and environment, security, entrepreneurship), enabling students to analyze concrete problems, instruments used, and observed outcomes.
– Group work presentation seminars focused on the analysis of a sectoral policy, developing applied research skills, synthesis, and oral communication.

These methods aim to actively engage students in understanding and practically applying concepts, thereby articulating the theoretical dimension with the analysis of real public policy cases.

1. Understand the processes of formation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation of public policies, identifying the main actors, instruments, and challenges in a democratic context.
2. Relate public policies to the macroeconomic context that frames the definition and conduct of public action.
3. Identify the problems facing public decision-makers, the choice of alternative policies, and the impacts of their decisions.
4. Analyze sectoral public policies—namely in Health, Social Security, Education, Energy and Environment, Security, and Entrepreneurship—from national and European perspectives.

1. Introduction to Public Policies
2. Institutions, Democracy, and Public Policies
3. Macroeconomic Framework of Public Policies
4. Public Policy Cycle
5. Sectoral Public Policies: Health, Social Security, Education, Energy and Environment, Security, and Entrepreneurship

Assessment is preferably continuous and comprises three components:
(i) Theoretical component (40%): individual written test;
(ii) Group work (50%): analysis of a sectoral policy, including preparation of a written report and seminar presentation;
(iii) In-class activities (10%): participation in debates, case study discussions, and other tasks carried out during theoretical-practical classes.

The access to continuous assessment requires minimum attendance of 75% of theoretical-practical classes.

Alternatively, students may opt for a final exam, which accounts for 100% of the final grade.

NAO