Decision Making Theories and Methods
[ LSPRI2085 ]
5.0 crédits ECTS
30.0 h
2q
| Teacher(s) |
Reuchamps Min ;
|
| Language |
French
|
Place
of the course |
Louvain-la-Neuve
|
| Main themes |
In order to study the context of contemporary political decision, the course explores the concept of multi-level governance along three axes: comparative federalism and regionalism (axis 1), actors of political decision (axis 2), democratic innovations (axis 3).
|
| Aims |
Traditionally political decision-making was studied through a linear approach: agenda-setting, legislative process centered on traditional political actors, implementation and evaluation. With the emergence of multi-level governance, the political decision process has gone deep transformations. The objective of this course is to study theoretically and methodological political decision-making through the lenses of multi-level governance.
At the end of this course, the students will be able:
-
to locate a decision-making process in multi-level governance
-
to analyze such process theoretically (with the right analytical framework) and methodologically (with the appropriate research design)
-
to undertake such analysis in light of scientific readings and to elaborate it in a written and/or a spoken mode
-
to deepen this analysis collectively both on one's work and on others' works
-
to communicate the results of this analysis in written, oral and visual modes
|
| Content |
Content
Introduction: power, decision and conflict. Theories rationality: pure, limited, adaptive, instrumental, procedural, cognitive, axiological. Decision under uncertainty. Simple decision in state of ignorance. Rational decision's criteria. Levels of decision: individual, collective, systemic. Evolution and behavior. Decisional flow: compromise, consensus, leadership, power, vote. Game theory. General standards. Problems of equilibrium and communication. Symmetrical games. Interdependence of utility functions. Epistemological challenges of game theory. Contextualisation of game theory in international relations. Empirical use of the game theory: some examples. Praxiology, ethics and axiology of decision. Intentions and preferences. Hedonism, heroism, perfectionism. Some traditional doctrines. Theories of democracy. Democratic values. Theory of voting. Democracy and rationalities. Public choice theory. Public and private goods. Social mechanisms of public policies choice.
Method
The lectures combines theoretical explanations, practical applications and methodological exercises useful for the understanding of political decision making.
|
| Other information |
The course includes syllabus, lectures and readings. The written exam takes the form of open questions.
|
Cycle et année
d'étude |
> Master [120] in Sociology
> Master [120] in Political Sciences: General
> Master [120] in Public Administration
> Master [60] in Political Sciences: General
|
Faculty or entity
in charge |
> PSAD
|
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