POLICY-MAKING PROCESS
Examines the political, social, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by policy making processes. Though the focus is on the US, international comparisons will be made, and students are encouraged to think about the American context through comparative and international perspectives. Familiarizes students with dominant theories and models of policymaking process and policy change, starting with the model of the policy cycle. Focuses in on key topics and issues in policy making, specifically, agenda setting, implementation, and the relationships between policymaking and democracy. Reflects on contemporary and emerging issues and dilemmas of the politics of policy making.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify important contextual aspects of policy making processes, of dominant theories, models and conceptual frameworks of policy processes, and of key issues and topics in policy making. Audience: Graduate 2. Critically analyze theories and evidence presented in readings and describe debates, past and present, surrounding public policy making processes. Audience: Graduate 3. Read and comprehend academic research, data, and writing as well as journalistic writings on relevant issues of public policy processes and politics. Audience: Graduate 4. Communicate summaries and analyses of topics, issues and key readings in class discussions, presentations, and writing assignments. Use clear written language and draw on theories, concepts, and evidence to support their arguments and ideas. Audience: Graduate 5. Maintain fidelity to objective social science-based research methods. Audience: Graduate 6. Prepare a high-quality presentation and communicate effectively as a speaker. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify important contextual aspects of policy making processes, of dominant theories, models and conceptual frameworks of policy processes, and of key issues and topics in policy making. Audience: Graduate 2. Critically analyze theories and evidence presented in readings and describe debates, past and present, surrounding public policy making processes. Audience: Graduate 3. Read and comprehend academic research, data, and writing as well as journalistic writings on relevant issues of public policy processes and politics. Audience: Graduate 4. Communicate summaries and analyses of topics, issues and key readings in class discussions, presentations, and writing assignments. Use clear written language and draw on theories, concepts, and evidence to support their arguments and ideas. Audience: Graduate 5. Maintain fidelity to objective social science-based research methods. Audience: Graduate 6. Prepare a high-quality presentation and communicate effectively as a speaker. Audience: Graduate
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Catalogue variants
- POLICY-MAKING PROCESS · 3 credits.