Cross-sector Partnerships for Policy Impact: Why and How
In this course, students research and write about policy questions and concerns raised by policy partners and provide the partners with options and strategies for addressing the questions and concerns. Policy partners will be from the government (state and/or local and/or federal), non-profit, and philanthropy sectors. The topics students delve into will include challenges related to issues such as criminal and juvenile justice, affordable housing, economic development, education, public health, and food security.
Using a range of policy issues, this course focuses on:
1) Policymaking processes;
2) The role of different sectors in policymaking (e.g. government, interest groups, and think tanks);
3) When and why policymakers use research – and when and why they don’t; and
4) Communicating with policymakers for impact.
Readings and other course materials (e.g., academic research, news articles, Congressional testimony, public policy events) illustrate the numerous types of expertise and sources of information and action that affect policy. Students learn about the conditions and constraints within which policymaking occurs. Experiential and written exercises highlight the value of conducting and using research to inform policy and teaches skills for doing so. Students attend policy events and class guest experts include policymakers and others who work in the policy realm. Students’ coursework has the potential to contribute actionable insights to the policy partners and others.
Cross listed as: CHILDPOL 590S 02-SEM (8245)
Owen
