Course Syllabus

 Course Description

This course will focus on the federal budget process and how it impacts the development and execution of federal policy. The course will examine the process through its various stages in both the executive and legislative branch. Case studies will be used to demonstrate how policy analysis shapes the development and execution of the federal budget. The course will also focus on challenges and failures of the budget process to work as intended and proposals for reform. 

The focus of this course is the federal budget process and consistent with that I have selected class materials that present a variety of topics and arguments. It is likely that connections between our course and current and/or historical events outside the classroom will come up in our class discussions.  Those connections may require careful thought rather than being immediately obvious, but the ability to understand and analyze connections among ideas and events is a core skill in professional career and will stand you in good stead in your life beyond IU.

 Learning Outcomes 

By the end of the semester students should be knowledgeable about the various stages of the budget process and the roles of various entities in the executive and legislative branches. This includes being able to use and apply the various budget concepts and the legislative rules and procedures used to enact the federal budget. Students should also be able to provide the type of policy analysis of alternative policies used in both the executive and legislative branch during the budget process. Students should be able to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, such analysis to policymakers. Students will also develop their ability to understand and analyze current events through the lens of concepts from this course.

 Course Requirements 

Required Readings and Other Materials

• There isn't a textbook for this course but there will be readings to complete before each lecture. Those readings as well as additional resources will be listed in Canvas.

 Technical Support

For additional help with technical issues, consult:

• University Information Technology Services (UITS) (human support)
• IU Knowledge Base (IUKB) (guides)
• IUware (download free software)

 Course Assessment & Grades

Course Assessment

The graded elements of this course include 2 policy memos, a policy project which will include a classroom presentation, and a final exam.

Submitting Assignments

You may turn in the memos and other written work as hard copies in class or via email in advance of class on the due date. If you submit memos in Word I will provide you with feedback as "bubble comments".

How Will I Know How I’m Doing in This Course?

Grades will be posted in Canvas within a week of the due date. Since Canvas keeps track of all of your grades, you should always be able to calculate your current grade in the course. If you need assistance, please contact me.

Late Work

Late assignments will result in a 5-percentage point penalty for each day (or part of) that an assignment is late.