INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY
Dr. James Daniel Steele
NCA&T, Department of Political Science
Web Site (SPHERE): http://www.ncat.edu/~steelej/sphere/index.htm
Lecture Room: 109 Gibbs Hall Office: 232 Gibbs Hall
Office Phone: 336/334-7666 Fax: 336/334-7321 Class Schedule Days: Tuesday and Thursday Class Schedule Time: 9:30 a.m.-10:45a.m.
Email:
TEXTS
Required Text:
Thomas Birkland, An Introduction to the Public Policy Process (Armonk, NY: ME Sharpe, 2001).Suggested Texts: James MacGregor Burns, Leadership (NY: Harper Colophon Books, 1978). Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed; On (Not) Getting By in America (NY: Henry Holt and Co., 2001)
Course Description
The course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of public policy. Students will survey the approaches and methods of policy studies, contemporary policy issues, and future considerations of public policy.
Course Objectives
1. Provide the student with a basic understanding of the major approaches, processes and methods that shape public policy in the U.S.
2. Develop an awareness of the socio-cultural complexities that influence the function public policy (e.g.-class, ethnicity, gender, religion).
3. Familiarize the student with many of the main issues and perspectives concerning public policy (and their environment) as they concern African-Americans and they relate to society.
4. Acquaint the student with the available resources pertaining to the study of public policy (journals, books, internet services).
Grade Evaluation
Research Paper Topic.................................................................................................................................5%
Research Paper & Presentation (November 25) ...........................................................................20%
Your choice. You are to choose to either a paper (10-15 pages and a minimum of 20 sources) on a public policy topic approved and selected by the professor or you may do a 5-7 page paper that will be included with a web site on public policy that must contain a minimum of 50 links (with YOUR summaries) to articles and public policy institutes.
TESTS (2).............................................................................................................................................50%
1. September 30, 2003 (25%)
2. December 4, 2003 (25%)
Class Participation.............................................................................................................................25%
When you are not in class, you cannot participate. This is defined as more than just coming to class, but being prepared for classroom discussions and activities on the subject matter scheduled for review, including:
Quizzes (vocabulary, course material)
Oral presentations and in-class analysis of readings
Computer Literacy
More than three unexcused absences (4.5 class hours) will result in the student having automatic deductions from the student's overall grade. This will be calculated as each absence maximum times two points.
Penalties: All assignments are due on the date indicated, at the beginning of class. Anything beyond that time will be deducted by one grade point. Assignments will not be accepted after the end of the class. Untyped assignments will not be accepted unless specifically authorized by the instructor.
Extra Credit: If you cannot do ‘regular’ credit, how can you do ‘extra’ credit?
Absences. The student is responsible for all time missed from the class, by contacting the professor or the Political Science Office, before the start of class.
COURSE READINGS
August
19-21
Course Overview
Birkland, "The Study and Practice of Public Policy"
26-28
Civil Rights and A Reflection on the March on Washington (1963-2003):
Discussion and Debate on the Meaning of Civil Rights in Contemporary America
(Readings to be Selected)
September
2-4
Birkland, "The Historical and Structural Context of Public Policy Making"
Hunt, "Coming to Terms with Ideology," pp. 1-18.
9-11
Birkland, "Official Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy"
James MacGregor Burns, Leadership (NY: Harper Colophon Books, 1978).
16-18
Birkland, " Unofficial Actors and Their Roles in Public Policy"
James MacGregor Burns, Leadership (NY: Harper Colophon Books, 1978).
Birkland, "Agenda Setting, Power, and Interest Groups"
23-25
Test 1 Review-Public Policy
Du Bois symposium (class via the internet)
30
Test 1-Public Policy
October
2
Charles Mann, "
Who Will Own Your Next Good Idea?," The Atlantic Monthly (September 1998)Alvin Walton, "Technology Versus African Americans," The Atlantic Monthly (January 1999)
7-9
Birkland, "Policies and Policy Types"
Sun Tzu, "Employment of Secret Agents," The Art of War
16
Barbara Ehrenreich, "Serving in Florida"
21-23
Birkland, " Policy Design and Policy Tools"
Claude M. Steele, "Thin Ice: "Stereotype Threat" and Black College Students," The Atlantic Monthly (August 1999)
Paper Topic Due
28-30
Birkland, " Policy Implementation and Policy Failure"
Barbara Ehrenreich, "Evaluation," pp. 193-221.
November
4-6
Birkland, " Putting It All Together: Models of the Policy Process"
FBI Uniform Crime Report
Jack Beatty, "The Death Penalty: Mend It or End It? (A Memorandum)," The Atlantic Monthly (April 6, 2000)
11-13
Class Debates: Selected Topics
18-20
Public Policy and the Economy (additional net resources)
U.S. Census Economic Briefing
Inflation Calculator
Tax Policy Calculator
Salary Calculator
25
PAPER DUE
December
2-4
Test 2- Review (Public Policy)
Test 2