Foundations of Public Policy

Fall 2011 quarter

Faculty

Laurance Geri public administration

Description

This class is a required course for the MPA Public Policy concentration and an elective for all others. To enroll students must have completed 1st year Core and be enrolled in or have completed 2nd year Core.

"Public Policy" is the sexy alter ego of public administration.  The study of policy tantalizes us with the possibility that we may learn the secrets to how big policy decisions are made, and have an impact on those decisions.  This is a particularly fascinating time to study this topic.  The first 18 months of the Obama Administration have brought the most intense debate on policy issues since the early days of the Reagan era, on topics as varied as the economic stimulus, financial sector reform, health care, education and energy. These have the potential to alter vast sections of our society.

This course will provide an overview of the concepts and issues in the field of public policy.  As the first course in the TESC MPA program policy concentration, it is intended to provide an introduction to the study of public policy processes and to the practice of policy analysis.  We will consider the economic and political rationales offered for public intervention in our society and economy, and critique the many models analysts have created to describe the policy process.  The course will emphasize two contrasting approaches to policy analysis-a classic approach epitomized by rational, benefit cost analysis, and an interpretive model that features deliberative processes at the core of democratic systems of governance.  Comparing and contrasting these models, we seek to provide guidance for future policy analysts in our representative democracy, in a system where marginalized groups still find it difficult to gain entrée to the policy process

Advertised Schedule

6-10p Wed

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Offered During

Evening