POLI 205 - Politics and Policymaking

This course examines the American public policy process through a case study approach. Attention will be paid to issues of policy formation and implementation with a focus on the role and interaction of national and state institutions. The United States government is a large, complex system of multiple institutions that share power and authority and govern across multiple issue dimensions. To understand the policy process in this context we will 1) Discuss foundational theories of the policy process; 2) Examine several case studies designed to engage these theories and debate their practical application, and 3) Become ”experts” in a particular policy area as each student prepares a presentation on that topic and presents politically viable solutions. This course will focus on writing for a variety of audiences and leave students well-prepared to apply for policy-oriented scholarships, fellowships and jobs.

Offered only in the fall. (4 Credits)