Course Syllabus

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O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

V181 U.S. Policy and Administration

Fall 2026

 

Instructor: Karl Santiago                                                   Teaching Assistants: Addison Bussell & Maia Truemper 

Email: edksanti@iu.edu                                                                               Email: adbuss@iu.edu | maatrue@iu.edu                 

Course Description: The policy making and implementation process in the United States is complex and effects the daily lives of citizens in a profound way. This course will introduce that process and highlight the forces that have shaped some of the most salient policy battles of the last decade.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the semester students should be able to:

  1. Identify and understand how various levels of government (local, state, and federal) play a role in the public policy process.
  2. Understand the role of stakeholders and US institutions in the public policy process.
  3. Be able to identify various types of policy and how they are made and implemented.
  4. Explain how a social or political movement has shaped systems of power within the country.
  5. Identify one or more ways in which individuals and groups in the US have unequal experiences in the policy process. 
  6. Articulate and present a case for or against a policy or policy proposal succinctly and thoughtfully.
  7. Write persuasively.
  8. Use evidence and data to support an argument.

How much time should you be spending on this class: If this is a standard 3-credit semester length class, you are expected to spend an average of 6 or more hours outside of class per week on reading, studying, assignments, etc. If this is a 6- or 8-week 3-credit class, you are expected to spend at least 12 hours outside of class per week on these activities.

Office Hours:

  • Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Eastern)
  • Location/Method: Zoom (see link above)
  • How to Sign Up: Email me to reserve a time within the office hours. If these times do not work for you, email me and we can arrange an alternative.

Communication & Response Time:

  • Preferred Contact Method: Email
  • Typical Response Time: Within 24–48 hours on weekdays
  • Course Updates: Any new material, schedule changes, or announcements will be communicated via Canvas Announcements. Please check Canvas regularly and enable notifications.

Required Texts:

  • Peters, B. Guy. American Public Policy: Promise and Performance. 12th Edition (ISBN-13: 978-1071809167). Available in the IU bookstore. You may buy the text from another source but be sure to get the 12th edition.
  • Anderson, James E., Moyer, Jeffrey & Chichirau, George. Public Policymaking: An Introduction. 9th Edition (ISBN-13: 978-0357659977). You may buy the text from another source but be sure to get the 9th edition.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due