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Policy Process


Course Description

An introduction to roles of governmental structures and policy-making procedures in the policy process. In addition, the course covers an array of policy areas and topics, including both cost-benefit analysis and ethical analysis. The core focus is on policymaking in the United States.


Athena Title

Policy Process


Prerequisite

POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand the policy process in the United States at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Students will build capacity to identify public problems, analyze agenda-setting, assess policy adoption prospects, and evaluate policy implementation.
  • Students will apply theories to assess policies and identify key issues in policy processes.
  • Students will develop effective collaboration, writing, and presentation skills in professional settings.

Topical Outline

  • Introduction to Public Policy and Policy Process
  • Context of Policy Making
  • Policy Setting Agenda
  • Multiple Streams
  • Punctuated Equilibrium Theory
  • Policy Feedback Theory
  • Policy Adoption and Diffusion
  • Collaborative Governance
  • Official and Unofficial Actors in the Policy Process
  • Policy Process Frameworks

Syllabus