Time Schedule:
Peter J. May
PB AF 575
Seattle Campus
Political science frameworks, approaches, and theories concerning development and implementation of public policies within American political systems. Governmental behaviors and processes, including rational, political, and bureaucratic models of governmental decision making; agenda-building processes; and normative perspectives concerning role of governmental entities.
Class description
This course is broadly concerned with political science research about policy processes. We will conduct this course as a research seminar in American politics focusing on key perspectives about the policy process. Students with theoretical interests will find the course useful in providing frameworks for studying policy processes and American politics. Students with applied interests in particular policy areas will find the course useful in thinking about the forces that shape policies.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
For much of the quarter, we will be moving back and forth between theoretical notions and discussion of student research. Each week’s topics will typically consist of a mix of theoretical perspectives and prior research illustrating or testing those perspectives. In addition, we will devote time in most sessions to discussion of the development of student-initiated research projects.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Each student will be required to develop: (1) a research paper that analyzes an aspect of the perspectives for one or more policy domains; (2) a set of short papers that contribute to development of the final research paper; (3) a review of a recent book about policy processes; and (4) a reflective essay about the course material.
Papers 80% Participation 20%
