Course Syllabus

V181: US Policy & Administration

Fall 2026

Tuesday/Thursdays 11:10-12:25 PM (Lindley Hall 102)

Professor: Brian DeLong

Office: O’Neill (SPEA) 323

Overview

Why has it been so difficult for the United States to deal with immigration challenges, gun violence in cities, or for Congress and the President to smoothly pass a budget? Why have U.S. state and local governments struggled to deal with affordability, environmental and social challenges? Why do so many actions at various levels of government seem out of step with public opinion? The answers lie in the complexities of the policy making and implementation process. This course will give you an introduction to that process, including the major groups and institutions that influence it. It will do so by helping you to understand how these forces have shaped some of the most salient policy battles of the last decade. This course will prepare students for later courses on public policy and administration.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, you will (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.

 Course Methodology

This is an in-person, active-learning course. Each topic in the sections below will be introduced by the interactive lecture and followed by the interactive class activities. Various methods of interactive teaching will used in this course such as small work group, different discussions, role plays, case studies and experimental exercises to ensure the retention of material. How much time should you be spending on this class?As a 3-credit semester length course, you are expected to spend an average of 6 or more hours outside of class per week on reading, studying, assignments, etc.

O’Neill School expectations of civility and professional conduct

The O’Neill School takes matters of honesty and integrity seriously because O’Neill is the training ground for future leaders in government, civic organizations, health organizations, and other institutions charged with providing resources for the public, and for members of society who are vulnerable and who are lacking in power and status. Precisely because O’Neill graduates tend to rise to positions of power and responsibility, it is critical that the lessons of honesty and integrity are learned early.

O’Neill requires that all members of its community – students, faculty, and staff – treat others with an attitude of mutual respect both in the classroom and during all academic and nonacademic activities outside the classroom. A student is expected to show respect through behavior that promotes conditions in which all students can learn without interruption or distraction. These behaviors foster an appropriate atmosphere inside and outside the classroom:

• Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be prepared for class.
• Students must be punctual in their arrival to class and be present and attentive for the duration of the class. Eating, sleeping, doing work for another class, wandering in and out of the classroom, and packing up or leaving class early are not civil or professional behaviors.
• Students must abide by the course policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom.
• Students must responsibly participate in class activities and during team meetings.
• Students must address faculty members, other students, and others appropriately and with respect, whether in person, in writing, or in electronic communications.
• Students must show tolerance and respect for others.
• Students must not destroy or deface classroom property nor leave litter in the classroom.

Textbook

The primary required textbook for this course is American Public Policy: Promise and Performance. 13^th Edition (ISBN-13: 978-1071809167), by B. Guy Peters, available to you through the Canvas eText tool.