COURSE DESCRIPTION
 

           This course is an introductory exploration of policy analysis. It assumes that the student already has some familiarity with the basic concepts and terminology of public policy and public administration. This course will provide you with both rapid and more complex methods of public policy analysis. It will cover important considerations in the process of policy analysis such as identifying data sources and weighing the utility of data; establishing criteria for analyzing policies; assessing policy alternatives; choosing among policies; and monitoring policy implementation.
 

           It will also introduce you to the use of computer resources in policy analysis. Remote servers or networked computers will be used to gain access to campus computing resources, to search electronic repositories of information, such as the internet, and to provide a means of communication with the instructor and other students in the course. Personal, desktop or laptop computers will be used for word processing, statistical data analysis, and creation of presentations.
 

            This course will be valuable for anyone planning a career in public service or who will interact with public agencies in the future. It will also provide an overview of the types of policy issues being confronted by people in the public sector today. By the end of the course, you should know more about opportunities for further study in public policy analysis and for careers in the field.
 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
 

1. Identify the basic concepts and techniques of policy issue analysis, including economics and micro-economic theory.
 

2. Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate uses of policy analysis in the public sector, and demonstrate political awareness skills.
 

3. Demonstrate competency in the analytical skills and techniques of public policy analysis, and oral and written communications and presentation skills.
 

4. Work cooperatively on a team case study policy analysis project.
 

5. Contribute to your MPA Student Learning Portfolio.
 
 

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
 

           This graduate seminar will integrate lectures, class discussions, assigned readings, case study analysis, oral and written presentation of assignments, library research, in-class exercises, teamwork, small group presentations, computer exercises, and other activities. All the activities will aid you in attaining the major learning objectives of this course. This combination will allow each person to draw on his or her own experiences and talents to help themselves and others in the course to become competent in the course concepts and skills.
 
 
 

Relationship Between Graded Course Activities and Course Objectives