PUBA-4410 : Policy Analysis

Provides an advanced examination of classic and contemporary theories of the public policy process, with an emphasis on the early phases, including: problem definition, agenda-setting, and estimation/analysis. The first portion of the course will focus on the stages of the policy process, including: policy initiation, estimation, selection, implementation, evaluation, and termination.  Students will then examine the actors and institutions associated with policy development and analysis. Next, political issues of problem definition, agenda setting, and policy design are explored.  Finally, students learn about and practice the process of policy analysis. This course assumes minimal prior academic background in policy, but awareness of current affairs and contemporary policy proposals being discussed at the federal, state, and local level is necessary and expected