Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical foundations needed to operate within territorial governance systems in the context of public policy. In particular, it explores the concept of governance in its various meanings and applications, while examining practical examples of territorial planning and programming across different policy sectors. As a final component of the course, students will participate in an in-class co-design project, applying the concepts and methods covered during the course.

Turco, A. (2013) (a cura di) Governance territoriale: norme, discorsi, pratiche, Unicopli,Milano
Additional teaching materials, including scientific articles, will be provided by the instructor throughout the course.

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools needed to analyze the governance dynamics that develop at the territorial level in the planning and design of public-interest interventions and services. Particular attention will be paid to both the opportunities and challenges associated with these dynamics, as well as to the importance of territorial networks and the role played by each actor within them. In addition to offering an in-depth understanding of administrative and organizational dynamics, the course will present examples and practical tools for co-programming and co-design, equipping students with the specific practical skills required to analyze these governance processes and effectively engage in them.

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, students are encouraged to have acquired a basic understanding of the structure and functioning of the welfare state. Those who have not developed this knowledge during their undergraduate studies are recommended to read: Kazepov, Y., & Carbone, D. (2018), Che cos’è il welfare state, Carocci, Rome.

Lectures; in-class group work.

tudents with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support by contacting the University’s Student Services and Academic Support Office and consulting the dedicated webpage on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa.
After contacting the University's support office, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN are encouraged to get in touch with the course instructor to discuss any teaching-related aspects and to agree on appropriate examination arrangements, in accordance with their individual needs.

Assessment of the learning outcomes will consist of two components:
Oral examination: The oral exam will assess students’ critical thinking skills, theoretical understanding of territorial governance dynamics, and mastery of the key concepts covered in the course. During the examination, students will be asked to discuss theoretical issues and apply the concepts to practical cases. Assessment will take into account the clarity of presentation, the appropriate use of specialized terminology, and the ability to establish connections between the different topics addressed throughout the course.
Group project: Students will also be assessed through the presentation of a co-programming and co-design project developed in groups. The project will require students to apply the participatory governance models studied during the course. It should demonstrate the ability to synthesize information, apply methodological tools, and work collaboratively. Assessment will be based on the following criteria: consistency with the theoretical frameworks, originality of the proposal, quality of critical analysis, and strength of argumentation.
The final grade will be determined as follows:
Oral examination: 60%
Group project: 40%
To pass the course, students must demonstrate at least a satisfactory understanding of the concepts covered, the ability to apply the theoretical models, and active participation in the group project. Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter, advanced critical thinking skills, and effective communication abilities.

The course is structured into two parts.
The first part aims to provide students with the theoretical foundations of territorial governance, focusing on key definitions and the most recent governance models. Starting from the concept and various applications of Multi-Level Governance (MLG), the course will then examine the conceptualization of Bottom-Linked Governance (BLG) and other models of collaborative governance.
The second part is designed to equip students with the methodological and practical tools needed to operate within these governance frameworks. It will include the presentation of examples of co-programming and co-design, as well as practical classroom activities (group work) in which students will apply and experiment with some of the participatory governance models discussed during the course.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to navigate the most recent theoretical approaches to territorial governance and to actively contribute to the planning and design of local public-interest interventions and services within different territorial governance arrangements and participatory governance models.