Overview

The field of public policy is so broad, diffuse, and balkanized that imposing order on it from an instructor’s perspective—let alone from a student’s perspective— can be a difficult and frustrating undertaking. The Public Policy Theory Primer, Fourth Edition, is designed to provide a firm grounding in public policy while also offering an introduction to the research agendas that are rising fastest from its foundations. Authors Kevin B. Smith and Christopher W. Larimer utilize a unique approach: they define the key research questions in the field and then organize policy studies into coherent subfields that address those questions. In delving into newly published research and rapidly developing literatures, this book continues to ask a fundamental question in the field of public policy studies: Does such a field really exist? This substantially revised new edition draws clear connections between theory and practice, examines whether policy process models can help illuminate program adoption and outcomes, explores the Narrative Policy Framework’s commonalities with rationalist and post‑positivist policy analysis camps, investigates the ""deservingness heuristic"" and the notion of the ""public"" in policy design, and makes a stronger case for the role that human psychology plays in policy choices. The authors do not simply report on these sorts of changes and updates; instead, they meticulously integrate them into their coherent framework of public policy studies. This novel structure, along with an appendix of sample discussion and exam questions, makes The Public Policy Theory Primer, Fourth Edition, a clear, organized, and thought‑provoking introduction to the field, indispensable for any public policy course.

Full Product Details

9781041024590

Table of Contents

Reviews

“Smith and Larimer have bested their own classic! There is enough intro for my advanced undergraduates, enough detail for aspiring masters’ students, and enough “real world” for actual policy makers. My old copy is taped and dog-eared — I look forward to scrawling in the margins of this excellent update.” Arnold F. Shober, Professor of Government, Lawrence University, Wisconsin “The Public Policy Theory Primer offers readers a clear overview of the field of policy studies while also delving into the practical implementation and evaluation of public policy. The authors invite students of policy studies to engage with research critically and develop a deep understanding of how scholars and students of the field can continue to expand and explore new horizons. This is a must-assign book for anyone teaching a public policy class aimed at undergraduate students or graduate students, alike.” Clare Brock, Colorado State University “The Public Policy Theory Primer is an exceptional text that I have used for upper-level undergraduate classes for more than a decade. It offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the major theories that shape the study and practice of public policy. This latest edition is sharp, approachable, and engaging, and I appreciate that they have expanded their discussion of connections between theory and practice.” Anne S. Douds, Gettysburg College

“Smith and Larimer have bested their own classic! There is enough intro for my advanced undergraduates, enough detail for aspiring masters’ students, and enough 'real world' for actual policy makers. My old copy is taped and dog-eared — I look forward to scrawling in the margins of this excellent update.” Arnold F. Shober, Professor of Government, Lawrence University, Wisconsin “The Public Policy Theory Primer offers readers a clear overview of the field of policy studies while also delving into the practical implementation and evaluation of public policy. The authors invite students of policy studies to engage with research critically and develop a deep understanding of how scholars and students of the field can continue to expand and explore new horizons. This is a must-assign book for anyone teaching a public policy class aimed at undergraduate students or graduate students, alike.” Clare Brock, Colorado State University “The Public Policy Theory Primer is an exceptional text that I have used for upper-level undergraduate classes for more than a decade. It offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the major theories that shape the study and practice of public policy. This latest edition is sharp, approachable, and engaging, and I appreciate that they have expanded their discussion of connections between theory and practice.” Anne S. Douds, Gettysburg College

Author Information

Kevin B. Smith is the Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Chair of Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Christopher W. Larimer is Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa.

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