Module description
This module aims to provide an advanced introduction to the theory and practice of private and hybrid governance. An increasing number of areas of the economy and society are governed at least partially by private actors. Examples include public-private partnerships, co-regulation and self-regulation by industry, non-state certification schemes, and credit-rating agencies. Why do private and hybrid forms of governance emerge as alternatives to public forms of governance? Why have we seen a rise of these forms? What are their advantages and disadvantages? And, in particular, what are the implications for transparency, accountability and legitimacy? Building on your existing knowledge of politics and governance, the module covers the key concepts, issues and theories in the study and practice of private and hybrid governance. You will also apply theoretical arguments to recent real-world cases of private and hybrid governance.
Assessment details
2 Hour Exam
1,500 Word Blogpost
An alternative assessment may be offered in place of the Exam to Study Abroad Semester 1 students.
Educational aims & objectives
The aims of this module are: • to provide an advanced introduction to the theory and practice of – and key concepts and issues in – private and hybrid governance • to provide a critical overview of: - the reasons why private and hybrid forms of governance have emerged as alternatives to public forms of governance - the reasons why we have observed a rise of these forms of governance over the past decades - the advantages and disadvantages of these forms of governance, including in terms of performance, transparency, accountability and legitimacy - to apply theoretical arguments on the emergence and the rise of private and hybrid governance to real-world cases of such governance.
Learning outcomes
Students who have completed the module should be able to: identity and characterise key types of private and hybrid governance; compare and contrast the different explanations of the emergence and rise of private and hybrid governance; apply these explanations to real-world cases of private and hybrid governance; make reasoned arguments – both orally and in writing – on the reasons behind the introduction of forms of private and hybrid governance, and substantiate these with evidence; critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of different forms of private and hybrid governance have improved their analytical, problem-solving and verbal and written communication skills
Teaching pattern
1-hour lecture & 1-hour seminar weekly