Diploma Programmes
Governance, Democratization and Public Policy (GOV)
10.5-week Postgraduate Diploma Programme: 18 April - 29 June 2012 5.5-week Short Course: 17 April - 24 May 2013 |
Developing and transition countries today face unprecedented opportunities and constraints created both by the global democratic re-awakening of the past two decades, and more recently by the world economic crisis. This has led national governments and donor agencies to renew their emphasis on democratization and good governance. There is, however, little consensus on relevant key concepts and how to put them into operation.
The Governance, Democratization and Public Policy (GOV) programme aims to equip students with the skills to critically analyze and design systems for participatory governance, to support broad-based democratization and the implementation of effective policies. GOV provides an overview of governance and democratization processes in relation to socioeconomic and political dynamics in developing and transition countries, including the role of local, national and ‘global governance’ institutions. The programme analyzes public policy management in relation to improving governance, introducing policy processes and the diverse and changing roles of governments, politicians, officials and non-state stakeholders. It also devotes attention to forms and perceptions of corruption and approaches to overcome it. In interactive lectures, workshops, and study visits, students learn about efforts aimed at improving governance, including decentralization, capacity building, designing participatory frameworks, and empowering women and marginalized groups.
By the end of the programme students will be aware of theoretical insights and practical approaches relating to governance and democracy and their implications for development and policy-making at global, national and regional levels.
Target group
Mid-career professionals working in central and local governments, NGOs, or donor organizations, and the staff and postgraduate students of universities in the North and the South are well-suited to this programme. Find out more about the ISS student body
