LIST OF PANELS

This course explores Critical Policy Analysis (CPA), a research orientation that bridges contemporary theoretical and methodological discussions—both normative and empirical—on the analysis of public policy at local, national, and global levels. Emphasizing socially inclusive values, CPA seeks to bring social meaning back into the understanding of policy through analytical approaches like framing, narrative analysis, argumentation, reflexive critique, and the role of emotions.

Rather than adhering to a single method, critical policy analysis tailors its approach to the nature of the policy being analyzed, the site of its production, the purpose of the research, and the positionality of the researcher. Grounded in  interpretive social science and critical theory,  CPA rejects the positivist notion of neutrality, instead focusing on understanding policymaking processes not only in terms of inputs and outputs but also through the lenses of interests, meanings, normative assumptions, and values. At its core, this approach is committed to the promotion of democratic governance and social justice.

Throughout the course, participants will engage with various key frameworks and critical methodologies—such as framing, using them to interrogate and analyze public policies through a lens of social justice, equity, and democratic values.

Preconference Course