PPOL4305 - Policy Analysis, Theory, and Methods

PPOL 4305 Policy Analysis, Theory, and Methods (3 semester credit hours) This course offers a holistic overview of public policy analysis, theory, and practice. Policy analysts offer crucial advice based on carefully analyzing sources of relevant information through a variety of potential theoretical lenses and analysis techniques, which you will study throughout this semester. These recommendations are often client-oriented; pertinent to public decisions; contextual to time/place/culture; and influenced by key social values and political processes. Policy analysis is a tool to better identify and understand: 1) different points of view of a policy problem, 2) potential options for solving (or at least minimizing the negative effects) of the issue, 3) important steps and actors necessary to make change, and 4) the related probable outcomes, consequences, and uncertainties. This course hopes to inspire you to consider the larger implications that public policy may have. Good policy making can improve society and the quality of life of people, especially those who are in most need. But when done poorly, policies can just as easily injure individuals and groups, strip them of their rights, dignity, and quality of life, all the while benefiting a select few. In a time when our world is facing both immense new challenges (global warming, pandemics, etc.) and old social problems (racism, inequity, poverty, etc.), you can play a vital role in your chosen career to make a real difference to your community, nation, and beyond. (3-0) Y