The Anthropocene is a new geological epoch with humans as the dominant force driving change across our Earth systems. Our social, ecological and technological systems are changing rapidly and characterized by increasing complexity and uncertainty. This presents a fundamental challenge to our ability to develop policy solutions to critical social and environmental problems from the local to the global scale. This course will explore these policy challenges and how our communities and institutions can develop new policy approaches to complex, wicked sustainability problems.

This course explores the political and governance challenges of decarbonizing the energy system, focusing on land use conflicts, stakeholder dynamics, and policy decision-making. Students will examine real-world case studies of renewable energy siting, analyze multi-level governance structures, and assess environmental justice implications. A key component of the course is the application of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), an advanced research method used to evaluate how social movements, community mobilization, and policy design influence renewable energy implementation.

This course focuses on how globalization, economic theory and domestic politics shape US public policy on international trade and the impact this has on American businesses, consumers and workers, as well as US international relations.

This course is an introduction to the institutions and regulations that promote and enforce ethical behavior in public service contexts, providing practical guidance and experience handling the complex ethical matters that arise in the public service. We will also discuss the fundamental theories and empirical research around notions of the state, citizenship, the public good, pro-social motivation, social justice, and other constructs that underlie ethical norms, all while focusing on their application to real world ethical problems.

Although we negotiate all the time, both in our professional and personal lives, most of us have not systematically learned and practiced effective negotiation strategies. Negotiating is a skill that can be learned and improved. But, like playing tennis or chess, it requires know-how and practice. Learning to become an effective negotiator is not predominantly a matter of listening to lectures, but of actively participating in negotiation simulations that give you a chance to experience and experiment with different negotiation strategies and tools.

Through skill development and contact with professionals, this course prepares students for successful careers in public policy and administration. Students gain an understanding of their strengths and develop career goals.

Theories of policy-formation are applied to several timely issues of US and global policy. Issues are grouped around a broad theme, such as environmental policy or security. Relevant experts/policymakers will help students complete policy simulations on our issues.

Introduction to methodologies for analyzing, implementing, and evaluating public policy. Topics include research methods, participant observation survey research and questionnaire construction, research design, measurement theory and practice, and framing categories.