The Politics of Policymaking for Executives

Catalog description

Public affairs professionals require a working understanding of political systems in order to accurately interpret policy proposals and anticipate potential policy changes. This course is designed to offer students a view into the challenges, processes, and political dynamics inherent in contemporary policy-making in the United States.This course focuses on political aspects of policy making that increasingly dictate policy outcomes. Students will gain a familiarity with political concepts covered in the course, providing tools to help separate consequential policy proposals and political actions from political antics. The course will examine the U.S. political system, how the major political parties have evolved and operate today, and how partisan politics impacts governing at federal, state, and local levels. The course will address how various interest groups influence politics and policy-making through campaigns, public engagement, lobbying, and activism.