The Politics of Bureaucracy
Description
This course will provide graduate level introduction to the political science literature on the politics of bureaucracy. In large part, our examination will proceed by examining the evolution and development of principal-agent models (broadly construed) within that literature since 1980, along with some classic and contemporary alternatives that provide a critical perspective on this recent research program.
Course objectives
We will proceed in four steps. First, we will briefly introduce the topic by examining the fundamental relationship between politics and administration, the ambivalent history of the study of bureaucracy in political science, and the political critique of bureaucracy. Second, we will develop the fundamental tools needed to develop a working model of bureaucratic politics by examining the motivations of relevant actors (bureaucrats, citizens, and politicians) and how we can model their complex political environment(s). Third, we will examine the enduring problem of political control of the bureaucracy, with emphasis on evaluating a number of alternative and competing institutional strategies designed to enhance control, including hierarchical control of bureaucratic agents by a range of hypothesized political principals, competitive bureaucracy, non-bureaucratic provision of services via quasi-markets, and limited administration or privatization. And fourth, based on all of the prior steps of inquiry, we will construct a model of institutional design based on public goods theory to help us select among these alternative modes of controlling bureaucracy. The literature examined will include that developed on both sides of the Atlantic.
Timetable
Wednesday 3/4 t/m 22/5, from 13.00-15.00 hrs NO LECTURE 15/5
Room A0.01, Building Schouwburgstraat except for 24/4 room Benoordenhout in Building Stichthage
Mode of instruction
Lecture and discussion with an emphasis on the latter.
Assessment method
Course evaluation will be based on three elements. First, students will be evaluated on general class participation, which will count for 15 percent of the final grade. Students are expected to be prepared to discuss all assigned readings as well as the presentations of other students. Second, students will be asked twice during the term to prepare a single spaced, single page report on one or more the journal articles for class distribution and discussion. I will provide further details on these reports in class. Each report and accompanying discussion will be worth 5 percent of the final grade. Third, student will write three short papers on topics assigned by the instructor. Each will be worth 25 percent of your grade.
Reading list/Literature
see list in the syllabus on Blackboard
Blackboard
Instructor will not actively use Blackboard. A description of the course and what is done per meeting will be published on Blackboard.
Registration
Via USIS
Contact information
Remarks / Preparation for first session
A description of the course and what is done per meeting will be published on Blackboard.