What is inequality and what is fair? This course examines inequality across three major policy areas: education, justice, and labor. For each policy area we begin with defining the inequality problem by examining race, ethnicity, gender, and class. We then we explore the policy solutions that have been tried to create more equality (e.g., No Child Left Behind, minimum-wage, Three Strikes sentencing laws) and assess their success and failure. Students will learn policy analysis and evaluation tools for assessing policies.

As a student in this workshop-style class, you will learn how to turn policy proposals into statutes and regulations. We look at some examples of current legislation and the ways the courts interpret them, and learn which area of the law would need changing for your proposal to become a reality: state, federal, or local; statute, regulation, or ordinance?

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.

A hands-on introduction to qualitative methods for policy research. Students design a qualitative research project, conduct field work, analyze qualitative data, and write up findings. Students learn key concepts, research design, methodological strategies, and the ethics of applied qualitative research. Cross-listed with Anthro 775

An introduction to primary and secondary education policy in the United States, and to research on education policy. Emphasizes history and qualitative political science, but also includes other methodological and disciplinary approaches.

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.

The goals of this course are to teach you basic GIS concepts such as spatial data sources and structures, projections and coordinate systems, geospatial analysis, cartographic modeling, and the integration of remote sensing and GIS. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in ESRI ArcGIS software.

Not available at this time

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.

Introduction to microeconomics theory and policy analysis. Examines economic rationales for and against government policy and the economic consequences of public policy.