Instructor: Gerald J. Kauffman

Explores how the processes of public policy operate from agenda-setting through formulation and legitimation to implementation and eventual evaluation with examples drawn from several areas of policy (e.g., health, education, environment). Focus primarily on domestic public policy. (1) Students will understand the basic structure and political processes of the US government and its theoretical underpinnings. (2) Students will become familiar with the relationships between different levels of the US government. (3) Students will learn how problems rise to the level of public problems. (4) Students will recognize the roles of key players in the policy process including the executive, judicial and legislative branches, special interest groups/lobbyists, political parties, and the media. (5) Students will have the opportunity to develop critical reading skills as they read several types of public policy documents and readings from a variety of sources. (6) Students will learn how to make analytical and practical policy assessments, utilizing a number of skills including critical thinking, writing, and public presentation.