POLD64H
Comparative Public Policy
University of Toronto at Scarborough
Department of Social Sciences
Fall 2011
Monday, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, Room AA208
Instructor:
Office:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Webpage:
Office Hours:
Dr. Phil Triadafilopoulos
MW236
(416) 208-4813 / (416) 978-7035
triadaf@utsc.utoronto.ca
http://triadafilopoulos.wordpress.com/
Monday 3:00-4:00 PM, Tuesday 10:00-11:00 AM, or by appointment
Course Description and Objectives
This course offers an introduction to the field of comparative public policy. We will consider the
aims and methods of comparative inquiry, survey a range of theoretical approaches used to make
sense of policy processes and outcomes, and consider some important issues confronting
policymakers, with an eye to making sense of variation and convergence in states’ policies in
these areas. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to consider how theories of
policy-making fare in explaining ‘real world’ outcomes and the degree to which comparison
yields insights beyond what might be expected from single country studies. Emphasis will also
be placed on improving analytical, research and writing skills, and enhancing students’
confidence and ability to communicate effectively in a small group/seminar setting.
Required and Recommended Readings
All required and recommended readings are posted on the course Intranet page. Please let me
know if you have any trouble accessing any of the readings.
Course Requirements and Grading
Grades for this course will be based on four requirements:
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Attendance and Participation
Weekly Readings Responses
Research Paper Proposal
Research Paper
Cumulative
One per class
Due in class October 3
Due in class November 21
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20%
20%
20%
40%
Attendance and Participation:
This is an advanced, reading-intensive course. You are expected to complete each week’s
required readings and actively contribute to class discussions. Unexcused absences will result in
a grade of “zero” (0) for that class. Other factors to be taken into consideration in evaluating the
quality of your participation include preparation for class, being attentive during class
discussions, and raising thoughtful comments and questions.
It might be helpful to keep the following questions in mind in preparing for class:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What are the central points or arguments being made in the readings?
What evidence and methods have they used to support their arguments?
How does the week’s reading relate to other material examined in the course?
How do you evaluate the authors’ positions?
You are expected to be an active participant in class discussions. Active participation entails:
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initiating a topic or question
providing information and examples to clarify a point
trying to synthesize or summarize a part of the discussion
seeking clarification where one is unsure
adding to and amending what others have said
respectfully offering positive and negative reactions to others’ points
Being an active participant also involves assisting members of the class by asking them to:
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state what they believe the main points of the reading are
synthesize or summarize part of the discussion
provide examples
restate what they’ve said to ensure you understood
give their positive and negative opinions
Research Paper and Proposal:
The major writing requirement for the course is a 3000-word research paper. Your paper could:
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explore how two or more countries have contended with a common policy challenge;
weigh the merits of a theoretical approach in explaining a particular policy outcome
(or outcomes) in one or more countries; or
evaluate a policy approach in a single case to judge its utility or moral acceptability
(recognizing that policies can be effective but morally dubious).
There is significant room for choice in terms of research paper topics. That being said, I would
like ensure that your choice is realistic and fits within the parameters of the course. Hence, a
research paper proposal outlining your question and research plan is required.
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The proposal should be approximately 4-5 pages (typed, double-spaced) and include:
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A title that describes the research project
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An outline of the project which
o describes your topic;
o provides an overview of the relevant literature you have consulted;
o provides a tentative thesis statement and a description of how you plan to defend
your argument; and
o identifies any problems you are having or foresee having with the research.

A bibliography of at least ten academic books and/or journal articles
I ask that you please make a point of seeing me during office hours to discuss your choice of
topic and progress on your proposal and paper. Past experience suggests that students that take
the time to consult me regularly get more out of the research paper assignment and course. I will
also post a sample proposal submitted by a former student to help give you a sense of what is
expected from the assignment.
Weekly Reading Responses:
You will prepare a one-page (typed, single-spaced, 12 point font) response to each week’s
readings (beginning with week two), to be handed in at the beginning of the corresponding class
session. Do not simply summarize the readings; your responses should critically evaluate the
authors’ arguments. Please be sure to cover all of the readings for each week. Please be sure to
see me during office hours if you have questions about the weekly reading responses.
Policy on Absences
You will receive a zero for any missed classes, unless you provide proof of medical or familial
emergency (a doctor’s note or death certificate). Given that attendance and participation count
for 20 per cent of your final grade, it is in your interest to attend all classes without fail.
Late Penalties for Written Work
Late proposals and research papers will be penalized 5 per cent per day (including weekends).
You are strongly advised to keep electronic and hard copies of your proposals and papers. These
should be kept until the marked assignments have been returned. If you are unable to submit
your assignments in class, use the essay drop box on second floor of the Management Wing in
the main foyer – do not send it via e-mail.
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Academic Integrity
Please be aware of the importance of academic integrity and the seriousness of academic
dishonesty, including plagiarism. The more obvious instances of plagiarism include copying
material from another source (book, journal, another student, and so on) without acknowledging
the source, presenting an argument as your own – whether or not it is a direct quotation – rather
than fully acknowledging the true originator of the idea, having another person help you to write
your essay, and buying an essay. Taking materials from the internet without acknowledging the
source is plagiarism. All of these are instances of academic dishonesty, which the university
takes very seriously and they will result in academic penalty. Those penalties can range from
failing the assignment, failing the course, having a notation on your academic transcript, and/or
suspension from the university. For your information, an excellent website is “How Not to
Plagiarize,” by Margaret Procter, Coordinator of Writing Support (U of T):
http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/plagsep.html
Accessibility Services
Students requiring assistance because of a disability should inform me and contact UTSC
Accessibility Services (http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~ability/) as soon as possible.
Writing Centre
You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the assistance and support offered by the
UTSC Writing Centre (http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~tlsweb/TWC/index.htm). Be sure to arrange
appointments well in advance of relevant due dates. I am also happy to discuss strategies for
effective writing during regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment.
E-Mail Policy
Please be sure to use your UTSC e-mail accounts for all course related correspondence. Please
also note the course code (POLD64) in the subject line of your messages. I will do my best to
respond to e-mail within 48 hours of receiving messages. E-mail received during weekends and
holidays may take longer to answer. Please do not submit course assignments via e-mail; all
assignments must be submitted to me in class or during office hours. If you are unable to submit
your assignments in class, use the essay drop box on second floor of the Management Wing in
the main foyer.
Intranet
Please consult the course Intranet site regularly, as I will post required readings, discussion
topics, media reports, announcements of relevant events, and important reminders.
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Outline of Topics and Readings
September 12 – Week One: Course Introduction
Required Reading: None
September 19 – Week Two: The Aims and Scope of Comparative Public Policy

Richard Simeon, “Studying Public Policy,” Canadian Journal of Political Science, VOL. 9,
No. 4 (December 1976), pp. 548-580.
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Arnold J. Heidenheimer, “Comparative Public Policy at the Crossroads,” Journal of Public
Policy, VOL. 5, No. 4 (1985), pp. 441-465.
Recommended:
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Alasdair MacIntyre, “Is a Science of Comparative Politics Possible?” in Against the SelfImages of the Age: Essays on Ideology and Philosophy (Notre Dame, Indiana: University of
Indiana Press, 1978): pp. 260-279.
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Donald L. Horowitz, “Is there a Third World Policy Process?” Policy Sciences, VOL. 22, No.
3/4 (1989), pp. 197-212.
September 26 – Week Three: Why Compare? How?
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David Collier, “The Comparative Method,” in Political Science: The State of the Discipline
II, ed. Ada W. Finifter (Washington, D.C.: American Political Science Association, 1993),
pp. 105-119.
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Barbara Geddes, “How the Cases You Choose Affect the Answers You Get: Selection Bias in
Comparative Politics,” in Political Analysis, VOL. II, ed. James A. Stimson (Ann Arbor:
University of Michigan Press, 1990): pp. 131-150.
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Peter A. Hall, “Aligning Ontology and Methodology in Comparative Research,” in
Comparative Historical Analysis in the Social Sciences, ed. James Mahoney and Dietrich
Rueschemeyer (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003): pp. 373-406.
Recommended:
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Charles Tilly, “Comparing,” in Big Structures, Large Processes, Huge Comparisons (New
York: Russell Sage Foundation, 1984), pp. 60-86.
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October 3 – Week Four: Institutionalism
- Research Paper Proposal Due In Class!
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Peter Hall and Rosemary Taylor, “The Three New Institutionalisms,” Political Studies, 44
(1996), pp. 936-957.
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George Tsebelis, “Decision Making in Political Systems: Veto Players in Presidentialism,
Parliamentarism, Multicameralism, and Multipartyism,” British Journal of Political Science,
25 (1995), 289-325.
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Kathleen Thelen, “Historical Institutionalism in Comparative Politics,” Annual Review of
Political Science 2 (1999), pp. 369-404.
October 10 – Thanksgiving Day: No Class
October 17 – Week Five: Political Economy Approaches
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David R. Cameron, “The Expansion of the Public Economy: A Comparative Analysis,”
American Political Science Review VOL. 72, No. 4 (1978), pp. 1243-1261.
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Gregg M. Olsen and Julia S. O’Connor, “Introduction: Understanding the Welfare State:
Power Resources and Its Critics,” in Power Resources and the Welfare State, ed. Julia
O’Connor and Gregg Olson (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1998), pp. 3-33.
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Jonas Pontusson, “From Comparative Public Policy to Political Economy: Putting Political
Institutions in their Place and Taking Interests Seriously,” Comparative Political Studies,
VOL. 8, No. 1 (1995), pp. 117-147.
October 24 – Week Six: Ideas, Paradigms and Frames
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John L. Campbell, “Ideas, Politics and Public Policy,” Annual Review of Sociology 28
(2002): pp. 21-38.
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Peter Hall, “Policy Paradigms, Social Learning and the State: The Case of Economic PolicyMaking in Britain,” Comparative Politics, VOL. 25, No. 3 (1993), pp. 275-296.
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Martin Rein and Donald Schön, Reframing Policy Discourse,” in The Argumentative Turn in
Policy analysis and Planning, ed. Frank Fischer and John Forester (Durham and London:
Duke University Press, 1993), pp. 145-166.
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October 31 – Week Seven: Globalization
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Colin Hay “Globalization’s Impact on States,” in Global Political Economy, ed. John
Ravenhill (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008): pp. 314-345.
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Geoffrey Garrett, “Global Markets and National Politics: Collision Course or Virtuous
Circle?” International Organization, VOL. 52, No. 4 (1998), pp. 787-824.
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Grace Skogstad, “Public Policy and Globalization: Situating Canadian Analyses,” Canadian
Journal of Political Science, (December 2000), pp. 805-828.
November 7 – Week Eight: Sectoral Approaches – Policy Networks/Communities
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Michael A. Atkinson and William D. Coleman, “Strong States and Weak States: Sectoral Policy
Networks in Advanced Capitalist Economies,” British Journal of Political Science, VOL. 19
(1989): pp. 47-67.
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Tanja A. Borzel, “Organizing Babylon - on the Different Conceptions of Policy Networks,” Public
Administration, VOL. 76, No. 2 (1998): pp. 263-273.
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Grace Skogstad, “Policy Networks and Policy Communities: Conceptualizing State-Societal
Relationships in the Policy Process,” in The Comparative Turn in Canadian Politics, ed.
Linda A. White, Richard Simeon, Robert Vipond and Jennifer Wallner Vancouver: UBC
Press, 2008): pp. 205-220.
November 14 – Week Nine: The Welfare State and Social Policy
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Gøsta Esping-Andersen, “The Three Political Economies of the Welfare State,” in Power
Resources and the Welfare State, ed. Julia O’Connor and Gregg Olson (Toronto: University
of Toronto Press, 1998), pp. 123-134.
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Paul Pierson, “Fragmented Welfare States: Federal Institutions and the Development of Social
Policy,” Governance, 8 (1995): pp. 449-478.
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Paul Pierson, “The New Politics of the Welfare State,” World Politics, VOL. 48, No. 2
(1996), pp. 143-179.
Recommended:
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Ito Peng and Joseph Wong, “Institutions and Institutional Purpose: Continuity and Change in
East Asian Social Policy,” Politics and Society, VOL. 36, No. 1 (March 2008), pp. 61-88.
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November 21 – Week Ten: Health Policy
- Research Paper Due In Class!
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Sven Steinmo and Jon Watts, “It’s the Institutions, Stupid! Why Comprehensive National
Health Insurance Always Fails in America,” Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law,
VOL. 20, No. 2, (1995), pp. 329-372.
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Ellen M. Immergut, “The Rules of the Game: The Logic of Health Policy-Making in France,
Switzerland and Sweden,” in Structuring Politics: Historical Institutionalism in Comparative
Analysis, ed. Sven Steinmo, Kathleen Thelen and Frank Longstreth (Cambrdige: Cambridge
University Press, 1992), pp. 57-89.
Recommended:
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Gerard W. Boychuk, “Race, Territorial Integration, and Public Policy in the United States and
Canada,” in David M. Thomas, ed., Canada and the United States: Differences that Count,
3rd ed. (Peterborough: Broadview Press, 2007), pp. 111-131.
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Jacob Hacker, “The Historical Logic of National Health Insurance: Structure and Sequence in
the Development of British, Canadian, and U.S. Medical Policy,” Studies in American
Political Development, 12 (1998), pp. 57-130.
November 28 – Week Eleven: Immigration Policy
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Daniel J. Tichenor, “Navigating an American Minefield: The Politics of Illegal Immigration,”
The Forum VOL. 7, No. 3 (2009): http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol7/iss3/art1/.
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Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos and Karen Schönwälder, “How the Federal Republic Became
and Immigration Country: Norms, Politics and the Failure of West Germany’s Guest Worker
System,” German Politics and Society, VOL. 24, No. 3 (Fall 2006): pp. 1-19.
Recommended:
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Gary P. Freeman, “Modes of Immigration Politics in Liberal Democratic Societies,”
International Migration Review, VOL. 29, No. 4 (1995), pp. 881-902.
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Antje Ellermann, “Coercive Capacity and the Politics of Implementation: Deportation in
Germany and the United States,” Comparative Political Studies, VOL. 38, No. 10 (2005), pp.
1219-1244.
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December 1 – Week Twelve: Citizenship Policy
- N.B.: December 1 is a Thursday!

Marc Morjé Howard, “The Impact of the Far Right on Citizenship Policy: Explaining
Continuity and Change,” Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, VOL. 36, No. 4 (2010):
735-751.
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James Ingram and Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos, “Rights, Norms, and Politics: The Case of
German Citizenship Reform,” Social Research, Vol. 77, No. 1 (Spring 2010): pp. 353-382.
Recommended:

Rogers Brubaker, “Citizenship as Social Closure,” chapter in Citizenship and Nationhood in
France and Germany (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1992), pp. 21-34.

Yasemin Nuhoğlu Soysal, “Changing Citizenship in Europe: Remarks on Postnational
Membership and the National State,” in Citizenship, Nationality and Migration in Europe,
ed. David Ceasarini and Mary Fulbrook (New York: Routledge, 1996): pp. 17-29.
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