Seminar Interpretative Policy Analysis

The interpretive orientation in the social sciences is a methodological perspective that has evolved to challenge mainstream empiricism and scientism. It is, as such, the basic cornerstone of a critical approach to policy analysis. Attentive to human subjectivity and social meaning, it places policy research in its relevant political and historical contexts. The seminar is divided into three parts: We will first deal with the epistemological foundations of interpretative policy analysis and contrast them with more empiricist approaches. In a second part we are going to read original texts from Michel Foucault and governmentality studies, a research programme which is currently much discussed and which offers one interesting approach in IPA. In a third part we will ask the question of how to do empirical research from an interpretative perspective. Readings will include authors who work with discourse analysis, framing and comparative studies. On the basis of these studies, we will discuss the pros and cons of IPA in relation to other theories and approaches. Furthermore, participants of the seminar will take part in the 4th International Conference in Interpretative Policy Analysis which takes place in Kassel (June 25-27). It brings some of the most influential theorists and researchers in the field to Kassel (such as Mary E. Hawkesworth, Bob Jessop, David Howarth, Frank Fischer, Frank Nullmeier, Ngai-Ling Sum, Dvora Yanow, John Dryzek, see: www.ipa2009.uni-kassel.de). Contact: Helena.Schwenken@uni-kassel.de First session: Wed April 14, 16:15-17:45 FB 05 Gesellschaftswissenschaften Uni Kassel SS 2009 Global Political Economy FB 05 Gesellschaftswissenschaften Prof. Dr. Schwenken Helen