Skill Lab: Political Strategy for Gun Policy in the United States

1 unit

In this five-week skill lab, we will focus on political strategy as it relates to gun laws in the United States, paying special attention to state-level ballot initiatives. We will review the politics of guns in America, the importance of the Second Amendment and recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, the influence of lobbying groups like the National Rifle Association, and political advocacy tactics at the state level. We will also examine case studies to understand these ideas in practice, including Maine's unsuccessful attempt in 2016 to pass a ballot initiative aimed at expanding firearm background checks. The course will operate as an upper-level graduate seminar (i.e., it will be heavy on readings and required material) and class time will focus on discussion. Students will demonstrate their learning by collaboratively designing a ballot initiative campaign to expand or restrict firearm access in a state of their choosing. Prior enrollment in the skill lab, Gun Violence Epidemiology and Policy in the United States, is strongly encouraged, but not required. Familiarity with the basic structure and operation of American government is mandatory.