Public Policy Analysis

Bowie State University

Dr. J.E.D. Riggs

Office Hours: One-half hour before class and by appointment.

Course Statement:

This course is designed to introduce the student into the world of public policy analysis. In this course, we will examine the roots of public policy, the methods of policy formatting, as well as the methods of implementations and evaluation. Does policy work? If so, why? If not, why not? These questions will be raised and discussed throughout the term.

Course topics:

Course Policies:

There will be a mid-term exam that will cover all readings and lectures of the first weekend, and the Saturday of the second weekend, and it will fall on Sunday afternoon of weekend two. The final exam will fall on the Sunday of weekend four and will consist of all readings and lectures from the start of the term. Each exam will be worth one-third of your total grade. The remaining third will be determined by a theme paper of 15-20 pages analyzing a modern policy of your choice.

I expect from each student a topic sheet detailing the policy topic; said sheet to be in my hands no later than the Sunday of weekend two. (More about this one the morning of the first class). The paper must be in my hands no later than the Sunday of weekend four. Failure for any reason to present this paper on time will result in an automatic 20% reduction in the paper's grade.

In addition, each student will be required to do a short classroom presentation of his/her paper topic on the Saturday of weekend four. This presentation represents 10% of the paper's value and is mandatory. Failure to present will also result in an automatic reduction of the paper's value by 10%.

Required Textbooks:

Dye. Understanding Public Policy

Anderson. Public Policymaking.

Readings:

Weekend One:

Weekend Two:

Weekend Three:

Weekend Four: