GVPT%388I%%Public Policy Internship Program GVPT 388I Spring 2011 Prof.: R. Koulish Office: 1140D Tydings Hall Office Hours: T/TH 12:30-1:30, and by appointment Class Room 1132 Tydings E-mail: [email protected] This course focuses on public policy as an experiential endeavor. The policy making process will be examined from several perspectives. Students will be expected to understand basic aspects of public policy, and how constituents, advocates, lobbyists, elites, and elected officials inform policy outcomes. Next, students will examine policy through the perspective of their own internship experiences. Finally, through a process of structured reflection, students will be encouraged to make sense of their internships within the larger perspective of democratic citizenship. Classes will typically cover the following areas: 1) structured reflection of the internship experience; 2) an instructor/ student led class discussion of assigned readings; and 3) discussion of and/or work on specific policy topics. During the semester, the class also will meet with policy experts and non-profit leaders on campus and in Washington D.C. On-site visits to various organizations will be arranged. Students will be expected to shift their schedules accordingly. Each student will be expected to focus on one aspect of public policy that links the internship experience with a topical political issue; will conduct research and become an expert in their field; and will present their research at the end of the semester. In is important to note that this class will be structured differently than many other classes you take. The classes will have a lot of discussion. Students will be expected to lead conversations and apply concepts about organizational dynamics and public policy learned in class to their own internship as well as to contemporary political and policy topics. We will also have guest speakers during the semester. An interest in politics is strongly recommended. Course Requirements Students taking this class will also be taking (have taken) an internship. Attendance and participation in this course is required. Students are expected to read all assignments and come to class prepared. Readings will be discussed in discussion sections. Each student will write a structured reflection on a weekly basis. Reflections will discuss what it is the student is doing in his/her internship; political and policy topics of interest related to both the internship and class; and an appraisal of how the week went.GVPT%388I%%Each student will engage in a research project (in consultation with instructor). This project will cover the basics of practical policy analysis. It will require the student to conduct interviews and engage in policy research. Grades and Assignments Reflections 25% Final Paper 25% Participation 25% Paper briefs 25% Total 100% Grading Method Grades will not be curved, but based on a straight scale (which includes the plus/minus system) 98-100= A+ 92–97=A 90-91=A- 88-89=B+ 82-87=B 80-81=B- 78-79= C+ 72-77=C 70-71=C- 68-69=D+ 62-67=D 60-61=D- 59 & below =F Texts • Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom, The Starfish and the Spider (Portfolio, 2006) • Eugene Bardach, A Practical Guide to Policy Analysis (CQ Press, 2005) • Jeffrey Berry w/ David Arons, A Voice for Non Profits (Brookings, 2003) • Theda Skocpol, Diminished Democracy: From Membership to Management in American Civic Life (University of Oklahoma, 2003) Other readings will be assigned GENERAL POLICIES •Every effort will be made to accommodate students who are registered with the Disability Support Services (DSS) Office and who provide a University of Maryland DSS Accommodation form. This form must be presented no later than March 1, 2011. I am not able to accommodate students who are not registered with DSS or who do not provide me with documentation that has not been reviewed by DSS after March 1, 2011.GVPT%388I%%•Campus Senate policy requires students who are absent due to illness/injury to furnish documentary support to the instructor. I require students to contact me by email or by phone prior to class time to indicate that you have an illness or an injury and will be missing class. You must provide written documentation verifying your illness/injury on the day that you return to class. You will not be allowed to turn in missed assignments or make up quizzes, tests, papers, etc. if you have not provided this documentation. In addition, if it is found that you have falsified the documentation provided, I will refer you to the University’s Student Conduct Office. •By February 14, 2011, students must provide in writing a request for a make up exam if I have indicated a date on this syllabus that you are unable to make due to a specific religious observance (specify) on a specific date. Please refer to the Undergraduate Catalog Policy on Religious Observance. •Please come to class on time and try to avoid leaving before the class ends. Turn down/off cell phones and avoid activities such as internet surfing, e- mailing, reading newspapers, etc. Honor Code The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu. To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity, remember to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and assignments: “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination/assignment.” Class Schedule (Instructor reserves right to change schedule as semester evolves. Students will be notified of any/all changes) Week 1 January 25 Introductions Week 2 February 1 Forms of Organization: Getting to Know Your Internship Site and Co-Workers Readings: “White House Staff vs the Cabinet” http://gunston.gmu.edu/pfiffner/index_files/Page1210.htm Week 3GVPT%388I%%February 8 Brafman and Beckstrom, The Starfish and the Spider Week 4 February 15 Approaching Policy