PLS 505 Policy Analysis Fall 2012 Instructor Mark T Imperial Classroom LH 110 Phone 910 962 7928 Class times M 6 30 9 15 Email imperialm uncw edu Secretary Donna Treolo 910 962 3220 Office Hours M 4 00 6 00 by appointment Office LH 260 http people uncw edu imperialm UNCW PLS 505 pls 505 htm Course Objectives The product of policy analysis is usable knowledge that informs decision makers and this advice can come in a variety of forms and is performed by a wide range of practitioners in the public private and nonprofit sector This course exposes students to the art and science of policy analysis from both a philosophical theoretical and technical perspective Students will learn how to define and think critically about important policy problems Students will learn basic concepts and apply various tools and techniques used by analysts in today s public and nonprofit organizations Students will learn about different policy instruments and then systematically analyze alternatives Students will learn how to think critically about data and use it to support their analyses and recommendations Students will learn to recognize the ethical implications of policies and their impacts on society Students will learn how to communicate their analyses in both written and oral forms Finally students will learn how to work effectively in diverse groups Accordingly this is an important required course within the MPA program because if focuses on developing a variety of student learning outcomes including Demonstrating an ability to analyze policy alternatives and use policy instruments and management tools to address social problems Demonstrating an ability to participate in the policy process communicate policy alternatives and work effectively with government and nonprofit institutions and community stakeholders Demonstrating an ability to define frame think critically about and analyze important problems Demonstrating an ability to identify ethical dilemmas and to then systematically apply ethical principles to identify appropriate courses of action Demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively and professionally to diverse audiences and Demonstrating an understanding of how to work effectively in diverse groups Students will develop these competencies in a variety of ways using a series of readings from a variety of theoretical perspectives The readings are supplemented with a variety of handouts and web based resources available on the course website Students will learn how to apply the concepts through in class exercises discussion of video clips simulations and discussions Students will practice the craft of policy analysis learn how to work in diverse groups and learn how to communicate oral and written and participate effectively in the policy process through a set of case memos and their final policy projects Ultimately the overall objective is to help you become a more effective policy analyst Readings The following books are required for this course and can be purchased at local bookstores or through vendors on the Internet Patton Carl David Sawicki and Jennifer Clark 2013 Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning Third Edition Pearson Publishing Required must be 3rd edition Bardach Eugene 2011 A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving Fourth Edition New York NY Chatham House Publishers Required but previous editions are fine Levitt Steven D and Stephen J Dubner 2010 SuperFreakonomics the Illustrated Edition Required Mintrom Michael 2003 People Skills for Policy Analysts Washington DC Georgetown University Press ISBN 0 87840 900 9 Recommended 1 PLS 505 Policy Analysis Fall 2012 Imperial Additional required readings are placed in a series of folders online in Blackboard You should read all of the readings for each topic prior to class Copies of the lecture notes handouts and other resources can be found on the topics pages of the website Expectations Approach This is not a lecture dominated class where the instructor speaks and the students passively listen This is a seminar class where students take an active part in their learning through class discussions group work and case analysis Course readings are supplemented with videos occasional guest speakers and other information available on the class web site Part of your learning will be cognitive or factual in nature However much of what you learn in this course will involve developing your analytical skills enhancing your self awareness of the organizations in which you work and sharing your professional experiences with others in the class I encourage you to prepare yourself for and be open to the variety of ways that you can learn from this course Another important part of your learning involves the analysis of case studies Case studies are compilations of problem situations actually faced by policy analysts A case places you into a real world situation and forces you to sort through and analyze various issues or courses of action I encourage you to discuss the cases with others prior to class Course Requirements The topics course schedule topics readings and assignments are posted on the course website Updates and changes to the schedule are possible and will be posted on the website Students should check the website frequently for changes and postings of supplemental materials Your grade will depend on your performance on the following course requirements Class Participation Students are expected to complete the assigned readings and come to class prepared to discuss all readings handouts and assignments that are due To ensure that students are prepared to discuss the readings I will randomly ask students to summarize a reading describe a theory or discuss a case Each student should also be prepared to share with the class questions that the readings raised and be able to identify the most significant point or contribution that the author makes to the practice of public administration Students may also be asked to submit discussion questions or lead the discussion of a particular set of readings While attendance will not be taken on a regular basis poor classroom attendance and showing up late to class may result in a failing participation grade since you cannot participate if you are not in class Therefore you should notify the instructor when you are unable to attend class If you should miss a session when a video is shown it may be possible to make arrangements to view