Public Policy

Public Policy

Abernethy Hall, CB# 3435
(919) 962-1600

First Session, 2024

PLCY/PWAD 101 Making Public Policy (3)

Overview of the policymaking process and of major public policy issues. Study of policy and political challenges in areas such as economic and tax policy, the social safety net, income support and the minimum wage, health care, education, environment and energy, foreign policy and national security, and homeland security.

PLCY 210 Policy Innovation and Analysis (3)

There is a need to define innovative solutions to public policy problems, to provide analysis of different alternatives, and to create a plan that would benefit the largest number of stakeholders. This course focuses on the process of constructing, evaluating, and deciding among alternatives based on their ability to satisfy society’s goals.

PLCY 220 Policy Innovation and Analysis (3)

Examines approaches to American politics and public policy and analyzes why government responds to problems in predictable ways.

PLCY 340 Justice in Public Policy (3)

This seminar explores arguments about moral issues in public policy. Students examine both the means used to implement policies and policy ends through discussions of case studies of policy choice.

PLCY/PWAD 450 Internal and Interpersonal Conflict Management (3)

MAYMESTER. This course aims to provide students with the tools necessary to most effectively engage in interpersonal conflicts. Students engage with diverse conflict management practitioners–from formally incarcerated individuals to public policy negotiation to international conflict mediators and role-play cross-cultural communication, inter-governmental negotiations, human rights, and workplace negotiations. Students will learn new negotiation and mediation skills, build upon existing ones, and learn to cope with stress, discomfort, and emotions when in conflict. Previously offered as PLCY/PWAD 330.

This course is meant for future peacemakers and peacebuilders who aim to make a difference in and with their immediate and wider environments: friends, romantic partners, family members, work colleagues, and one’s community.

Peacemakers and peacebuilders are often focused on the wellbeing of others. Their own wellbeing is often pushed to the side to make space for those in pain. This course is an opportunity to prioritize the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of the peacemakers and peacebuilders so that they may better serve others, learn how to take care of themselves when they are in the workforce, and build a community that is based on mutual understanding.

Most sessions will be conducted by “sitting in circle” and in small groups. We will learn and practice communication-intensive circles, build High-Quality Listening skills, discover our relationship with apology and forgiveness, and learn how to better understand our own needs and the needs of others.Course flyer.

At the end of this course, students might be able to answer the following questions:

• Howand why do I react to conflict?
• Howhas my past impacted the way I respond to conflicts today?
• What actions must I take to improve my relationships with others?
• And how can I build a community that is based on trust?

PLCY 460 Quantitative Analysis for Public Policy (4)

Application of statistical techniques, including regression analysis, in public policy program evaluation, research design, and data collection and management. Late afternoon/evening. 3.58 hours, 3x/week.

PLCY 581 Research Design for Public Policy (3)

Pre- or corequisite, PLCY 460. Students will explore the scientific method as applied to policy research. They will formulate testable policy research questions, become familiar with methods for conducting policy research, and learn to think critically about causal inference.

PLCY 795 Leading for Impact Across Sectors (3)

MAYMESTER. This final MPP course will help students understand the power of cross-sector collaboration and effective strategies to lead social and environmental change across sectors. Co-taught by an academic and practitioners, the syllabus uses case studies, outside speakers, seminars, and debate to explore evolving models of cross sector collaboration to advance social impact. Students will learn the motivations, operations, and engagement models for stakeholders in different sectors and effective strategies to influence these stakeholders to advance societal change. Classes will provide tangible leadership skills that students can use to advance impact outside of the classroom.

Second Session, 2024

PLCY 310 Microeconomic Foundations of Public Policy (3)

Prerequisite, ECON 101. This course allows students to enhance their working knowledge of microeconomic theory, explore microeconomic theory as a methodology to solve policy problems, understand market failures and the role of collective action in markets, apply economic models to a variety of policy situations, and evaluate and critique economic analyses. Previously offered as PLCY 410.