WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

PLSC 321:  Public Policy and Policy Analysis

Spring 2007 ♦ Time: MW 2-3:15PM ♦ Location: Kinard 211

Instructor: Dr. Adolphus G. Belk, Jr.

Office: 332 Bancroft

Office Hours: MW 10-11:30AM and by appointment

Phone: (803) 323-4663 ♦ Fax: (803) 323-2568

E-mail: belka@winthrop.edu

Website: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/belka

Course Description

Welcome to PLSC 321: Public Policy and Policy Analysis.  This course is designed to introduce students to basic policy theories and the public policy process in the United States.  We will pay particular attention to key events that create or prevent policy opportunities and problems that arise throughout the policy process.  In addition, the course will explore a number of substantive domestic policy issues.  

Throughout the semester, we will endeavor to appreciate the connection between public policy, politics, and economics.  Thus, the development and evolution of public policies will be viewed within the shifting economic context that impacts and is influenced by their development.  Lastly, the role of race, class, and gender in American politics and public policy is a concomitant focus of the course.

Course Objectives

At the close of the term, students will have gained the skills to become wise policy consumers who base their opinions not solely on knee-jerk reaction, but on critical reflection devoted to possible policy consequences—both intended and unintended.  More specifically, students will be able to:

1.      Understand the policies that governments pursue, why governments purse them, and the consequences of those policies.

2.      Comprehend and apply numerous theoretical models and concepts employed in the study of public policy and policy analysis.

3.      Appreciate the role of power in the public policy process, particularly with respect to setting the governmental policy agenda.

4.      Understand the role of the mass media, public opinion, and elite opinion in the formulation of public policies.

5.      Detail how American political institutions and bureaucratic agencies shape policy and politics.

6.      Recognize and assess the role/importance of various nongovernmental participants in the policy process (e.g., mass media, interest groups and associations, policy think-tanks, corporations).

7.      Systematically evaluate the full impact of public policies on society.

Lastly, at the conclusion of the course, students will have developed sufficient background to carry out more advanced work in the study of American government, politics, and public policy. 

Requirements and Guidelines

It is my sincere hope that each student will do well in the course.  For this to happen, students must live up to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in this syllabus.  Consequently, each student will be expected to:

1.      Complete the readings prior to the class in which the material will be discussed.

2.      Attend lectures.  Attendance is not required.  The lectures, however, are designed to build upon and expound the assigned readings—they do not simply regurgitate the textbooks.  Moreover, regular attendance and thorough lecture notes will be two of your most valuable resources for the examinations.  Thus, it will be to the student’s advantage to attend all class meetings. 

3.      Participate in making the class a meaningful, productive learning experience for all.

4.      Ask questions.

5.      Show sensitivity and respect for your colleagues and the instructor.  This also includes turning off all cell phones and/or pagers. (Note: I will answer your phone if it rings.)

6.      Hand in assignments on the date they are due.  Please note that a late assignment will be penalized one full letter grade for each day that it is overdue.

7.      Take examinations on the date that they are scheduled.  A student who fails to take an exam on the scheduled date—and who also fails to offer proper documentation to explain her or his situation—will take a make-up exam entirely comprised of essay questions.

8.      Inform the instructor of any concerns.

9.      Make suggestions on how the course could be improved.

10.  Abide by the Winthrop University Code of Conduct.

Finally, open your mind to the material.  Learn, debate, challenge, and grow. 

Required Readings

Thomas R. Dye, Understanding Public Policy, 12^th edition.

John A. Hird, Michael Reese, and Matthew Shilvock, Controversies in American Public

Policy, 3^rd edition (Hereafter referred to as HRS).

Textbooks can be purchased from the Bookworm, Books That Matter, or other fine bookstores or online vendors.

Note: Additional readings for some weeks will be made available from handouts, the Internet, or placed on reserve at Dacus Library.

Evaluation and Grading

Students will be evaluated and graded based on the following criteria:

1.      Class Participation (10%):  Students must participate in class.  Participation includes raising questions, answering questions, and, from time to time, taking part in in-class group assignments or exercises.

2.      Quizzes (10%):  Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced.  The point: be prepared.  All quizzes will be of the multiple-choice variety.

3.      Debate (10%): In order to provide ample opportunity for everyone to make the most of their experience in this course, students will participate in debates throughout the semester.  All students will be assigned to one topic for debate and class discussion.  Students who are not scheduled to debate on a particular day are expected to read the assigned materials and pose questions to the debaters through a moderator.  We will discuss the debates in further detail at a later date.

4.      Examinations (45%): There will be two (2) examinations during the course of the semester, a midterm and comprehensive final.  The midterm is worth 20 percent of your total grade.  The final examination will comprise 25 percent of the total grade.  Students are expected to take exams when they are scheduled on the syllabus.  Tests will begin at the appointed time and will be a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions.

5.      Writing Assignments (25% total):  Students are required to write a policy analysis paper, which is worth 20 percent of your final grade.  The assignment should be 10 pages in length (no more, no less) and focus on a contemporary policy issue being debated at the national or state level of government.  Students are also required to submit a two-page paper proposal on Wednesday, January 31.  This proposal will include your paper topic, research question, thesis statement, outline, and a list of references.  The proposal will account for 5 percent of the final grade.

Your paper must be thoroughly researched, well organized, and eloquently written.  Moreover, all papers must be typed (with numbered pages), double-spaced with standard margins, and stapled.  Lastly, please do not use a font smaller than Times New Roman 12.

Grading:

A          90-100                                                                         D         60-69

B          80-89                                                                           F          0-59

C          70-79

The “N” Grade Issue:

Assignment and Examination Schedule

Course Calendar

Note: The course calendar will be adjusted to accommodate events that provide significant learning opportunities for students, weather conditions, etc.  Additionally, a more detailed calendar may be issued at the instructor’s discretion.

Part One: Background and Foundation

Part Two: Substantive Policy Issues and Dilemmas

Part Three: Student Policy Analysis and Evaluation

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Dacus Library

Everything cannot be found on the Internet.  Dacus Library is the primary provider on campus of scholarly information in all forms from print to electronic.  To fulfill its mission, the library provides information quickly, efficiently, and in sufficient depth to promote the excellence of all academic programs offered by the university.  Additionally, the library maintains depository status for federal and state publications.  For information on library hours call (803) 323-2362.

The Writing Center

Students who wish to improve their writing skills should seek assistance from the Writing Center, located at 242 Bancroft.  Tutors works with students on an individual basis in all phases of the writing process and on academic and writing projects in any discipline.  Call (803) 323-2138 for information regarding hours of operation and services.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at (803) 323-3290, as soon as possible.  Once you have your professor notification, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first assignment or exam.

ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

The Student Conduct Code appropriately notes, “A fundamental tenet of all institutions of higher learning is academic honesty.  Academic work must depend upon respect for an acknowledgement of the research and ideas of others.  Misrepresentation of someone else’s work as one’s own is a most serious offense in any academic setting.”  Winthrop University is no exception.  In short, academic integrity is very important and misconduct, in any form, will not be condoned.  If you have any questions regarding academic honesty and student conduct, please review Section V of the Student Conduct Code.