MPPA 650: Integrating Research Findings Into Practice

Course Description

One of the most important professional habits that policy leaders can develop is to stay current with cutting-edge research published in the leading peer-reviewed journals in the field. Policy decisions are often made under time pressure and with incomplete information. Leaders who are comfortable reading, interpreting, and critiquing contemporary research are better positioned to make wise, evidence-informed decisions.

In this class, we meet monthly to discuss some of the top policy articles being published in leading journals. Each session focuses on one or more articles, with students taking turns presenting and critiquing the work. Over time, students build a habit of routinely engaging with the research literature and integrating it into their professional practice.

We will draw our articles primarily from the following journals and outlets:

• Journal of Policy Analysis and Management (JPAM)
• Applied Economics (AEA)
• Economic Policy (AEA)
• Journal of Economic Literature (AEA)
• Journal of Economic Perspectives (AEA)
• AEA Papers and Proceedings
• American Economic Review
• Insights (AEA)
• Education Finance and Policy
• Campbell Systematic Reviews
• National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) working papers
• Selected publications from California’s Legislative Analyst and similar non-partisan policy offices

This class is required to be taken each term of the MPPA program. Because of this, students typically enroll in the course multiple times and can accumulate 0.5 credits per term toward the degree. Students who do not enroll in a given term may be required to complete an alternative assignment or activity in order to graduate.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course should demonstrate:

• A commitment and ability to stay current in the field by regularly reviewing top public policy journals and related outlets.
• An ability to read, summarize, and critique contemporary policy research articles.
• An ability to discuss research in a non-partisan and evidence-based way, focusing on: research questions, theory, research design, methods, data, findings, and connections to existing literature.
• An ability to synthesize research findings and consider implications for practice and decision-making in real-world policy settings.

Course Delivery Model

Students are responsible for their own learning and for contributing to a rich, intellectually serious conversation each month. This is a small, discussion-based course; the quality of your preparation is central to its success.

In advance of each monthly meeting, students are expected to:

• Read the assigned article(s) carefully.
• Prepare questions, critiques, and observations about the work.
• For presenters: prepare a concise, structured overview of the article.

During each class session:

• Selected students will present one article each.
• Other students are expected to ask thoughtful questions and offer critiques.
• Discussion will often be student-led, with the instructor facilitating, clarifying methods, and connecting the research to broader policy debates.

Our meetings are held online via Zoom on the first Monday of each month. Additional details (including exact dates in months with holidays) are posted in Canvas.

Required Readings

Required readings for each monthly meeting are announced by the professor and published on the course Canvas site. Students are expected to:

• Check Canvas regularly for the assigned article(s) and any supplemental materials.
• Complete all readings before the monthly class session begins.
• Bring the article (digitally or in print) to the Zoom session for easy reference.

Because the primary goal of this course is to build ongoing habits of professional reading, the specific articles will vary by term and by what is being published in the top journals.

Grade Basis & Grades

The grade basis for MPPA 650 is Credit/No Credit.

Final grades are based on performance in the following areas:

To receive Credit, students must:

• Attend the scheduled monthly meetings (or complete approved make-up work if an absence is unavoidable).
• Actively participate in discussions, demonstrating preparation and engagement.
• Complete all assigned presentations in a satisfactory manner.

Because of the small number of contact hours, missing even a single meeting can seriously affect your ability to pass the course. Please communicate with the professor as early as possible if you anticipate conflicts.

Learning Management System (Canvas)

The MPPA program uses Canvas as its official learning management system. The program publishes syllabi and subsequent updates to Canvas, and students are held responsible for the information posted there.

In this course, Canvas will be used to:

• Post monthly reading assignments and any supplemental materials.
• Publish Zoom links (if updated), documents, and announcements.
• Collect presentation highlights or slides.
• Record grades, Credit/No Credit status, and occasional feedback.

Students are expected to frequently access the course Canvas site and review new announcements as they are posted by the professor.

Attendance & Participation

Students will be graded on both their timely presence in class and the quality of their engagement in discussions. This includes:

• Arriving to the Zoom session on time and prepared.
• Having read the assigned article(s) carefully.
• Contributing thoughtful comments and questions.
• Engaging respectfully with classmates’ presentations and critiques.

If you must miss a session, you should notify the instructor in advance whenever possible. Make-up work may be assigned at the instructor’s discretion, usually in the form of a short written critique of an additional article.

Student Presentations

Each month, students will be responsible for presenting one of the assigned articles. For each session:

• Students choose one article to present from the articles assigned for that meeting.
• Each student prepares a concise 3–5 minute presentation summarizing the article.

Your presentation should clearly describe:

• The central research question.
• The importance of that question for policy or practice.
• The data and methods used.
• The main empirical findings (including effect sizes where appropriate).
• The implications of the findings for policy and for future research.

Students should upload their presentation highlights (e.g., bullet points, a brief outline, or slides) to Canvas. This may be in a Word document, PDF, or another format chosen by the student, as long as it is clear and readable.

The instructor will initiate a 3-minute timer for each presentation to keep the class moving and to approximate real-world briefing constraints. Short, clear, well-structured presentations are strongly encouraged.

Office Hours & Communication

Please feel free to stay a little longer after class (either in the Zoom room or in person when applicable) if you have questions about the article, the course, or the MPPA program more broadly. I enjoy getting to know you and hearing how the program intersects with your professional work.

For other matters, please set up an appointment through Microsoft Bookings:

• Professor Thorson’s Bookings Page:
  Schedule a meeting via Bookings

Email is generally the best way to reach me outside of class. Please include “MPPA 650” in the subject line and allow a reasonable amount of time for a response, particularly during busy weeks.

Technology Expectations

Because this course meets online, students are expected to have access to:

• A reliable internet connection.
• A computer or tablet capable of running Zoom.
• Audio (and ideally video) capabilities to participate in discussion.

If you encounter technology problems that prevent you from attending class or participating fully, please contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss options.

Names and Personal Gender Pronouns

It is important to me that I learn both your preferred name and your personal gender pronouns. If I state either incorrectly, please correct me either during or after class. I appreciate your help in creating a respectful learning environment.

Freedom of Expression in the Classroom

Our class is a place for open, respectful discussion of contested ideas. We will often engage with research on politically sensitive or normatively charged topics. You are encouraged to:

• Offer thoughtful critiques of the research and its assumptions.
• Ask questions when methods or findings are unclear.
• Disagree with the authors or with each other in a civil, evidence-based manner.

Personal attacks, harassment, or discriminatory remarks are inconsistent with the goals of the course and with University policy. Our focus will be on arguments, evidence, methods, and implications.

Accommodations

Students with documented disabilities or other conditions that may affect their learning are strongly encouraged to contact the Academic Success & Accessibility office to discuss possible accommodations. Once you provide me with the appropriate documentation, I will gladly work with you to ensure you have access to the full range of course activities.

Even if you do not have formal documentation, please feel free to talk with me if there is anything I should know that would help you succeed in this class.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty stands at the center of intellectual pursuits in the University. Students are expected to be familiar with the University of Redlands policies on academic honesty and to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

• Plagiarizing.
• Cheating on assignments or examinations.
• Submitting the same work for credit in more than one course without permission.
• Knowingly helping another student commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Violations may result in penalties up to and including a failing grade in the course, in accordance with University policy. You are responsible for understanding and obeying these standards.

For the complete text of student responsibility, please see the University of Redlands Catalog under Academic Standards.

Withdrawal / Incomplete

Students are responsible for voluntarily withdrawing from the class if they decide not to complete it. If you simply stop attending without officially withdrawing, I am required to assign a failing grade.

I observe all University deadlines for dropping and withdrawing from courses. Incompletes are granted only in accordance with University policy and typically require a documented and significant interruption.

First Monday Calendar Note

MPPA 650 normally meets on the first Monday of each month, from 6:35–7:30pm. However, there are occasional exceptions in months with major holidays (for example, New Year’s Day or Labor Day).

In such cases, the program may adjust the meeting date. Students should check Canvas and email announcements each term to confirm the specific dates for that term’s MPPA 650 meeting.