Introduction to Public Policy

This course provides an examination of theoretical and practical approaches to public policymaking and administration, and focuses analysis on the essential steps in the public policy process as well as on the roles played by key actors at all levels of government. The policymaking environment is examined, with attention given to the stages of policymaking process from agenda setting, formation, budgeting and adoption, to implementation and policy impacts. A focus is also placed on understanding various policy debates including: education policy, economic policy, energy, welfare, healthcare, environment, crime control, immigration, abortion, and tax reform, etc. This course addresses other substantive issues impacting contemporary public policy and stresses the importance of understanding various methods of policy analysis. It looks at the evolution of modern government policies at both federal and state levels.