- PUBPOL 201 Intro to Public Policy & Governance (5) with Isiah Wright
In addition to introducing the discipline, this is a solid course to start exploring the public policy minor and our undergraduate course offerings.
- PUBPOL 303 Methods of Policy Inquiry (5) with Scott Allard
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of different methods of policy inquiry, centered around formulating public policy research questions, aligning evidence with those policy questions, and grasping how research influences the policy-making process. It explores various research methodologies, highlighting their pros and cons, and their role in evidence-based policymaking. This prepares students for more advanced research courses in PUBPOL and other fields.
- PUBPOL 355 Nonprofits and Philanthropy (5) with Erica Barnhart
This course delves into how individuals and organizations—including nonprofits, social enterprises, and foundations—can tackle, resolve, and alleviate social challenges. We will investigate how analyzing individual, organizational, and societal levels provides various approaches to fostering positive social change, along with understanding when and how to incorporate innovation into decision-making processes.
- PUBPOL 499A Special Topics: Education and Workforce Policy (5) with Elizabeth Meza
This course introduces the historical context, policy landscape, and current issues related to education policy in the United States. While this topic is undeniably broad and complex, we will broaden our perspectives throughout the class by occasionally examining international examples. This comparative approach will enhance our understanding of the American education policy framework.
- PUBPOL 499B Special Topics: Local Gov’t Management (5) with Marilynne Beard and David Cline
Taught by current and former city managers and administrators, this course will encourage and inform students interested in pursuing a career in local government. We will use case studies, interactive exercises, and discussion to explore a wide range of local government topics, such as inclusive community engagement practices; economic development strategies; current issues in policing; and applying an equity lens in local government decision making. Cross listed with PUBPOL 584.
- PUBPOL 499C Special Topics: Advocacy for Social Change (5) with Rachel Fyall
This course examines different components of advocacy, including the role of and opportunities for advocacy in the policy process; relationships between advocacy, social movements, and public policy; and organizations leading advocacy in the US and their regulatory environment. Access is restricted to those with junior or senior standing who have taken PUBPOL 201. Cross listed with PUBPOL 545.
- PUBPOL 499D Special Topics: Environmental Justice (5) with Cory Struthers
Environmental justice (EJ) promotes fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, enabling all individuals to participate in decisions affecting their environment. As climate change exacerbates inequities for marginalized communities, this course examines public policy and environmentalism’s roles in identifying and addressing environmental injustices. It includes readings, participation, and group work for diverse learning experiences, focusing on just environmental policy. Cross listed with PUBPOL 599.
- PUBPOL 499E Special Topics: Natural Resources Policy (5) with Philip Womble
As the human population, resource consumption, and land use pressure increase, the policies for management and protection become more important and more challenging. This course will introduce students to the political processes, participants, and programs involved in creating natural resource policy in the US.
- PUBPOL 499F Natural Language Processing (5) with Dafeng Xu
This course introduces natural language processing models like ChatGPT, investigates the application and limitations of these models, and discusses how they can be used in the policy arena. Cross listed with PUBPOL 599.
