Research Seminar on Public Policy

PADM

231

Research Seminar on Public Policy

This course is a seminar in public-policy analysis, including full class sessions as well as supervised independent research. The seminar will focus on a single topic, such as health care, housing or criminal justice, which will change each semester. Using a task force model, students will survey the literature in the topic under consideration and work in teams to work on particular aspects of the social problem and policy. The task for each team is to identify, analyze and evaluate an existing policy or set of policies related to the selected topic. Students will develop criteria for evaluation and assemble data to support an argument concerning the viability and effectiveness of policies under examination. The goal for each task force is to recommend modifications or alternatives to existing policy that effectively address the needs and concerns of various constituencies and interest groups in the decision making process. During the term, task force groups will make oral presentations based on their research. Each group will present a final report that incorporates policy analysis and policy recommendations. In preparation for the task-force project, the seminar will provide an overview of the topic under examination and will review methodologies for policy analysis.

Fall, Spring

Undergraduate

Yes