The Politics of Policy-Making

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course analyzes the politics, institutions, norms, and actors involved in the agenda-setting, legitimation, and decision-making of public policy in the US. Students learn how to use analytical frameworks that explain how the policymaking process works, relates to the substance of policy, and applies to real world issues. Students also investigate how the policy making process varies across different issue areas. As one of several assignments, students write a policy memo suitable for submission to a member of Congress or other key political actor.