TU-E6170 - Political Organizations and Decision-making D, Lecture, 24.10.2024-28.11.2024

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To foster a sustainable future, it is important to grasp the fundamentals of how society and decision-making work. In this course, we will explore the basics of political organizations, democratic processes, participation, decision making, and influencing, focusing on the contexts of Finland and the European Union. Our focus will be on legislative processes and the key actors involved, providing insight into how policies are and can be shaped. We will explore the workings of government ministries and their essential role in preparing legislation. After finishing this course, you will have an understanding of how parliaments operate, with real-life case examples, and their interactions with the EU. Additionally, we will delve into the realm of public debate. Finally, we will examine lobbying and agenda-setting, offering insights into policy influence.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 24.10.2024 - 28.11.2024

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mari Holopainen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    - Introduction to Policy Influence in Technology and Business
    - Democracy and Participation
    - The Role of the EU and its Legislative Processes
    - Public Political Speaking and Idea Promotion
    - Ministries and the Legislative Drafting Process
    - Lobbying and Agenda Setting

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Individual and group assignments, lecture participation

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Active attendance and participation in the lectures, engagement with the readings, individual and group assignments. 

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Readings 

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn II
    2025-2026 Autumn II

    Registration:


    The number of students is limited. Students are given priority as follows:
    1) Students of the Master’s Programme in Information Networks
    2) Students of the Master’s Programme in Industrial Engineering and Management
    3) other students

    Bachelor students can be admitted if space remains.

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof