Public Records and FOIA Request Methods

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state-level public records laws as a data collection method for social science and investigative journalism. Students will progress from the foundational "why" of transparency to the technical "how" of securing high-value government data, examining the legal frameworks, timelines, and exemptions that govern public access. The course will explain how to integrate formal social scientific research designs using public record request methods, teaching students how to use FOIA for both deductive hypothesis testing and inductive exploratory analysis. Through a series of practical workshops and case studies, participants will master the art of drafting precise requests, managing large-scale file organization, and navigating agency resistance such as fee hurdles and stalling tactics. By the end of the term, students will be equipped to critically evaluate data quality, code complex documents, and execute strategic FOIA campaigns in the public interest.