Course Syllabus

Course Description

Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Fall 2026, V181: U.S. Policy & Administration, (Course ID 093837)

Class #12728, Room PV167

Instructor: Shawna Girgis

Course Description

The policy making 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.

Overview

This course will consist of an introduction to the history, development, and process of policy making.  In addition, we will discuss the importance of public input and how to effectively impact policy at the federal, state, and local level.  We will also discuss some of the most important and debated current policy issues and how politics, personal values, media, special interest groups, as well as financial constraints shape public policy development, implementation, as well as changes.

Policy making is a challenging task that requires the participation of many diverse groups.  In addition, policy makers must be made aware of how proposed and current policy impacts diverse groups as a part of the policy making process.  Accordingly, it is imperative that there be an effective method of analyzing and communicating policy impacts, which is a major focus during this course.  In addition, SPEA V181 will help prepare you for future courses in public policy and administration.  

 Learning Objectives

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 U.S. institutions in the public policy process.   
  3. Be able to identify the 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 U.S. have unequal experiences in the policy process.
  6. Articulate and present a case for and against an issue succinctly and thoughtfully.
  7. Write persuasively.
  8. Use evidence and data to support a policy argument.

Secondary objectives include a better understanding of current public policy issues, conducting legislative research, developing a policy problem definition memo, and encouraging students to become involved in the policy making process at the local, state, and federal level.

Meeting Time & Location

Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 AM–9:15 AM (EST) – SPEA, Room PV 167

Textbooks

This course is built around readings from Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives, Seventh Edition by Michael E. Kraft and Scott R. Furlong, which is the required textbook.  We will also utilize Writing Public Policy, Fifth Edition by Catherine F. Smith, which is exclusively utilized in association with course writing assignments and therefore is optional for students to purchase.  

Additional Information 

A copy of the syllabus with assignment due dates is available in Canvas Files.