500

Advanced analysis of the theory and practice of public policy in the United States. Emphasis is on federal, state, and local government formulation, implementation, and evaluation of diverse public policies. This course enables students to develop a set of conceptual and practical tools to understand and evaluate American public policy, and think critically and constructively about which policies should be adopted. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

A historical overview and analysis of urban development policies including community-based strategies, transportation and housing, location and planning initiatives, and cultural forms of urban regeneration. This course enables students to develop a set of conceptual and practical tools to understand and evaluate a variety of urban development initiatives within distinct historical, economic, political and sociological frameworks. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

Analysis of how economic inequality, segregation, poverty, changing family structure, immigration, race and labor market segmentation and educational inequality are addressed by public policy. Advanced study of public policy responses to social problems, through historical and comparative studies of inequality, are examined including welfare, immigration, affirmative action, and environmental equity. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course provides strategies for leading changes in government and nonprofit organizations. Organizations must adapt to outside changes, to the changing demand of their stakeholders, and improve their performance and efficiency. The focus will be on how to lead changes in such organizations in a way that aligns the design of such changes with organizational purposes. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course compares the public policies of countries throughout the world. Primary emphasis is on the public policies of advanced industrial democracies in order to gain a clear understanding of the possible public policy alternatives for the United States. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course examines the policies aimed at community development and their outcomes. It will show how planning can be used to improve the quality of life of neighborhood residents and the need for planning and policy to be integrated. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

Study of how immigration influences the economy and society of the United States. Focus on the changes in immigration policies due to the September 11, 2001 events and their consequences for the economy and the political debate in the United States. Analysis of the distinction between illegal and legal immigrants and between skilled and unskilled immigrants is made in order to distinguish the effects of various types of immigration. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course will research educational policies and their outcomes. The focus will be on how current and past policies affect student learning and how to use available resources in the most efficient way. It will discuss past experiences in public policies towards education, as well as contemporary ones, such as school vouchers and charter schools. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course provides a background of the historical, economic, social, technological, and philosophical forces that have shaped our current health care systems and their impact on the delivery of health care. A primary focus is the critical examination of balancing, cost, quality and access and how different national systems have evolved over time. The course further examines planning and policy cycles, the role of government as regulator and market maker, the status of major governmental initiatives and the projection of emerging trends. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Masters of Arts in Public Policy Program or consent of the Department. 3 semester hours

This course examines the environment in which the decision-making process within bureaucracies takes place and the risks associated with this process. It discusses incentives that bureaucrats face and their effects on policymaking. The primary goal is to introduce theories and practical mechanisms that will allow the policymaker (or policy analyst) to be successful in improving the development and implementation of effective public policies in various types of organizations. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course will cover two main aspects of the relationship between technology and public policy. The first is how governments can influence the development and commercialization of technology. Methods covered include sponsorship of certain programs, partnerships with the private sector and direct involvement in research activities and programs that affect market demand. The second is how governments' performance can be enhanced via utilization of new technologies. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course focuses on public policies aimed at protecting the environment. The main objective is to learn about government regulation, government voluntary programs, and environmental laws. A combination of theory and case studies will be used to examine the effectiveness of various environmental public policies, possible improvements, and costs associated with such policies. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or departmental approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the political process involved in policymaking, especially with regards to the legislative process. Students will learn how public policies are amended, modified, and approved during the political process. Awareness of how the differences between a proposed policy and its final version will be developed. Students will learn that the legislative approval process is an integral part of policymaking. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

An investigation of taxation, government spending, and cost-benefit analysis applied to a variety of projects. The focus is on determining the optimal role of government in market economies, and the measuring government efficiency and inefficiency. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course is designed to prepare students to do research related to policy issues. The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the tools needed to investigate and effectively evaluate public policies outcomes. The course focuses on the application of quantitative, qualitative, and formal methods to research, and considers how to determine the appropriate applications of such methods. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

This course explores data analysis and how it can be applied to policy planning. The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the statistical tools necessary to quantitatively analyze public policies, and to apply these tools in order to set up effective planning strategies for public policies. Prerequisite(s): LAS565 - Research Design and Methodology or department approval 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours

The public policy internship provides students with advanced experience in governmental and related institutions such as community organizations and nonprofit institutions involved in an aspect of public policy in which they are interested. Internships enable students to integrate classroom learning with practice and understand how public policies are implemented at the local, state, or national levels. Placements are individualized according to student interests and needs. Prerequisite(s): 15 semester hours completed in the M.A. in Public Policy Program; consent of internship supervisor and academic supervisor. 1-3 semester hours

The Public Policy Seminar will allow students to integrate public policy theory with specific cases according to student interest. Special emphasis will be placed on formulating proposals for solving actual public policy problems. Each student will be encouraged to think through a specific problem related to public policy, and try to solve this problem throughout the semester with the support of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): To have completed at least eight courses (24SH) in the M.A. in Public Policy, or department approval. 3 semester hours

In-depth study of a contemporary public policy topic. As the topic varies each term, students may register more than once. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. Departmental approval for undergraduate credit. 1-3 semester hours (graduate students) 2-5 quarter hours (undergraduate students)

The thesis is a formal written document which investigates a public policy theory, a particular public policy case study, or the relationship between a public policy theory and a case study as the result of disciplined inquiry, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): To have completed at least eight courses (24SH) in the M.A. in Public Policy, or department approval. 3 semester hours

Continuous registration required until thesis is complete. Prerequisite(s): Masters standing, consent of instructor, and prior registration for the required number of hours in LAS599. 0 semester hours