COURSE SYLLABUS: Political Environments of Public Policy Analysis
Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:
PA568 - Political Environments of Public Policy Analysis
School of Political Science and Public Administration
James P. Conroy, MS Contact - Vita
Course Description:
This course is designed to explore the role of the various people and institutions that make public policy. In the
political context the policy analysts must understand the essential elements of the political process if their efforts
are to be influential. Differences in politics within the American policy process or policy domain result in different
policies and outcomes.
Politics and Public Policy, 3rd Ed. By: Van Horn, Carl E. & Baumer, Donald C. &
Gormley, Jr., William T.CQ Press, Washington DC. ISBN #: 1568024835
Student Goals:
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Develop a broader perspective on the politics of policy making in the US
Understand more about how institutions process decisions and make policy
Examine the difficult and complex content that policy analysts must understand to be more effective
Analyze the essential elements of the political process with which analysts must be prepared to work
Grading Procedure:
Your grade will be determined as follows:
Weekly Chapter Summarization: 50%
Research Paper: 50%
The grades will be added and averaged to comprise your final grade. Each is based on 100%. The research paper
will be due at the end of lesson 8, and the weekly chapter summaries are due at the end of each week. You will be
assigned one chapter per week, except for the first two weeks in which you will be assigned two chapters.
Breakdown of Grades:
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
Below 60
A
B
C
D
F
Method of Instruction:
PA 568, Political Environments of Public Policy Analysis, 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 chapter summary is required and will be submitted to the instructor by the
end of each week.. You are asked to read, analyze and examine each chapter in its entirety. At the end of each
week, please submit to me, via e-mail, a summary of the chapter that you read. Please include the information
covered in the chapter, an analysis of the information and what your thoughts are with regard to the information
presented. Each paper should consist of a title sheet (with the name of the chapter) and at least 2 pages of
substantive comments. A full summary of the chapter is required in order to receive full credit. Each is based on
100% and is counted towards 50% of your final grade.
I am aware that a chapter summary is provided to you with respect to each chapter. Please use this as a guide;
however, this cannot be used as your weekly summary for that chapter. Again, this may be used as a guided
reference but cannot substitute for your personalized summary of the chapter.
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: American Politics and Public Policy (pp. 4-20)
Chapter 2: Political Culture, the Economy and Public Policy (pp. 27-47)
Chapter summaries 1 and 2 due by end of week 1 to the Instructor
