"Public policy" describes the patterns of actions employed by the government to achieve a variety of social goals. Some of these actions may be of great consequence (e.g., incarcerating prisoners, providing income maintenance to the poor, preventing deaths from pollution or workplace hazards). This course provides a survey of several key public policies in the United States. It will begin with an exploration of the policy-making process, policy design, and policy evaluation. The remainder of the course will be devoted to the examination of several key public policy areas including criminal justice, education, social welfare, economic management, health care, and environmental protection regulation. By integrating theoretical debates and the historical evolution of core public policies, the course aims to develop analytical skills as well as an appreciation for the technical and political complexities of policy-making. |