How does public policy get made in the United States? This course examines the politics of the policymaking process. Students will learn how policy agendas emerge as issues arise and problems are framed. We’ll explore how official actors as well as unofficial actors evaluate policy alternatives and promote or deflect policy change. We’ll identify how the legislature, the executive, and the bureaucracy organize themselves to handle policy issues. Students will learn about effective written communication for influencing policy. Also, the course will address how policymaking differs across national, state, local, and tribal governments. We’ll apply these concepts to current issues in American politics, including COVID-19, climate change, and elections.
Spring 2021
Meeting:
TTh 2:30pm - 4:20pm
SLN:
21259
Section Type:
Lecture
Instructor:
Laura Elizabeth Evans
SYNCHRONOUS.
POL S MAJORS: COUNTS FOR FIELD D,
AMERICAN POLITICS.
OFFERED VIA REMOTE LEARNING
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):
Catalog Description:
Policy decision making with emphasis on: how issues arise, the way they become part of the policy agenda of the executive and the legislature, how these institutions organize to handle policy issues, and the roles of the legislature, the executive, and the bureaucracy. Public policy literature and familiarization with key aspects of policy decision making at the national, state, and local levels.
Department Requirements Met:
American Politics Field
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
October 25, 2025 - 11:16 pm