COURSE SYLLABUS: Public Policy Processes & Strategies
Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:
PA548 - Public Policy Processes & Strategies
Political Science and Public Administration
James P. Conroy, MS Contact -- Vita
Course Description:
This course is designed to explore the public policy process and its strategies with the intent of demonstrating the
requisite skills of judgment or learned routine are necessary qualities of good policymakers and politicians.
Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction, 3rd ed. By: Dunn, William N. Prentice Hall - Upper
Saddle River, NJ. ISBN #: 0130976394
Student Goals:
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Examine the mysteries of agenda setting, policymaking an implementation
Analyze public policy that achieves both conservative and liberal goals
Understand public policy innovations
Understand the basic concept and theories of policy evaluation
Grading Procedure:
Your grade will be determined as follows:
Weekly Case Studies: 50%
Research Paper: 50%
The grades will be added and averaged to comprise your final grade. Each is based on 100%. The research paper is
due at the end of lesson 8 and each case study is due at the conclusion of each week.
Breakdown of Grades:
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
Below 60
A
B
C
D
F
Method of Instruction:
PA 548, Public Policy Processes & Strategies, is a distance-learning course offered through Canyon
College. This class allows the student to work ay his or her own pace; as such, it is essential that the student
reviews all available materials located in the text, the syllabus and any notes. Your mid-term and final
examinations will be administered during the student's fourth and eighth weeks, respectively. We will read
through this book and will, for the most part, review two chapters per week. As stated, this is a self-paced course
and students can work at their own pace; however, exams will be administered during the above-referenced
times.
Each student must submit to the instructor the following:
Name
E-Mail address, Telephone #
Course Expectations
Professional Work Experience
Educational Background/Major
Other Interests
COMMUNICATION WITH INSTRUCTOR:
I will read my e-mails at least once per day and I urge you to communicate any questions, comments and/or
concerns you may have. I can be reached through the College internal e-mail system: Contact
At the conclusion of each chapter, a case study is presented for review. You are asked to read, analyze and examine
each case study in its entirety. At the end of each week, please submit to me, via e-mail, a summary of the case
study that you read. You will also be required to discuss any changes and/or amendments you would make to this
case study in order to improve its overall effectiveness. Be sure to include at least one positive change, as well as
point out any negative aspects of the study. Each paper should consist of a title sheet (with the name of the case
study) and at least 2 pages of substantive comments. A full summary of the study is required in order to receive full
credit. Each study is worth 12.5% - I will drop the lowest case study grade at the end of the course, leaving a total
of 100% for the final grade. : 8 case studies @ 12.5% = 100%. The case studies will count as 50% of your final grade.
Research Paper:
Your research paper will center on any topic we have discussed, or will discuss, by the end of this course. You may
discuss any topic that pertains to this course, and can feel free to explore the book and decide upon a topic. Please
e-mail me your topic for approval by the end of week 4 once you determine what you would like to focus your
paper on. This paper should be no more than 10 pages, no less that 7, double spaced, APA style. Be sure to include
all references/sources. Due by the end of week 8. Upon receipt, I will have this paper graded for your review,
with comments, within five (5) days. The paper will be based on 100% and will count as 50% of your final grade.
Course Schedule:
Week 1: Read Chapters 1 and 2
Chapter 1: THE PROCESS OF POLICY ANALYSIS (pp. 1-25)
Chapter 2: POLICY ANALYSIS IN THE POLICY-MAKING PROCESS (pp. 33-64)
Case Studies 1 and 2 due by end of week 1 to the Instructor
