Topics: Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Policy Making

Catalog description

The course offers students both a theoretical as well as practical understanding of politics and governance. The practical component will provide students with a working, practical knowledge of the functioning of government and the political process, and the professional and ethical requirements of a political professional - such as a legislative aide, lobbyist, political operative, program staff analyst, chief of staff, or elected official. The course examines in detail: the separation of powers, legislative process, executive authority, lobbying, bill drafting, public hearings, testimony presentation, electoral politics, political campaigns, use of media, and more Importantly, the course will focus on understanding that policy is a regimented response to a specific problem. As such, it is important lo understand how the definition of values and goals influence which problems are addressed, and how they are addressed through policy making, Instead of analyzing the success or failure of policies, this course teaches students how lo understand the policy making process, teaching students not only how to become effectively engaged, but also how to contextualize their engagement.