PLCY 100: Introduction to Public Policy Analysis

Course overview

This public-facing page summarizes the syllabus. Enrolled students should consult the full PDF and course site for Zoom links, booking links, and other internal logistics.

Instructor

Course description

This course introduces the field of public policy and the practice of policy analysis. We examine how analysts use the tools of social science to develop and evaluate solutions to important policy problems across areas such as criminal justice, welfare, health care, education, immigration, energy, economic policy, and civil rights.

We begin with the policymaking process and the roles of major actors and institutions; we then move into substantive policy domains and the evidence used to assess alternative policy options. The course is designed to provide a foundation for upper-division work in public policy, political science, and related fields.

A recurring theme is the importance of following contemporary policy news and using empirical evidence to form and defend your views. You will be expected to stay engaged with current events and to come to class prepared to discuss them.

Learning outcomes

Students who complete PLCY 100 should be able to:

• Describe key stages of the policymaking process and the roles of major actors.
• Explain the logic of traditional approaches to public policy analysis.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of criminal justice, welfare, health, education, economic, and civil rights policy.
• Interpret and critique quantitative evidence used in policy debates.
• Analyze how public policies shape, and are shaped by, power, privilege, and inequality.

Course format

The course meets face-to-face twice per week. Class time combines short lectures with discussion, application of concepts to current events, and occasional structured activities. You are expected to complete readings before class and come prepared to engage actively in discussion.

Students are responsible for their own learning; the readings are intentionally challenging but carefully selected. I provide structure and questions, but discussion is intended to be student-driven.

Required texts

• Dye, Thomas. 2016. Understanding Public Policy (15th Edition). Boston: Pearson.
• Paul, Richard, and Linda Elder. 2019. Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools (Eighth Edition). Tomales, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.

Each text is available through the campus bookstore and common online booksellers. Additional readings are posted on the course site (PDFs or links). Printing readings and annotating them by hand is strongly recommended.

Assessment & grading

Final grades are based on the following components:

• Midterm Exam — 35%
• Final Exam — 35%
• Participation / Daily Quizzes — 30%

Both exams are closed-book and closed-note, primarily essay-based, and draw on readings, lectures, and class discussion. A review sheet is provided before each exam. The midterm is a 75-minute exam; the final is scheduled for a 2-hour block.

Participation and quizzes reflect your regular attendance, preparation, and engagement. Daily Poll Everywhere quizzes will ask about key points from the previous class and assigned readings for that day. Two quiz scores are dropped automatically (this includes both excused and unexcused absences).

Grading scale

Key policies

Attendance, participation, and quizzes

Regular attendance and preparation are required. Daily quizzes are taken via Poll Everywhere using your .redlands email and the course code indicated in the full syllabus. Two quiz grades are dropped; otherwise, missed quizzes count as zeros.

Accommodations

Students needing accommodations should contact the University of Redlands Disability Services office to arrange appropriate support. I am happy to work with you and Disability Services to implement approved accommodations.

Names and pronouns

You are encouraged to share your preferred name and personal gender pronouns. Corrections are welcome at any time.

Technology in the classroom

While laptops and tablets are not banned, handwritten note-taking is strongly encouraged; research suggests it improves learning. Please silence phones and avoid non-course-related use of devices during class.

Freedom of expression

The course is committed to robust, evidence-based discussion. You may encounter ideas you find uncomfortable or disagreeable; all viewpoints should be supported by reason and evidence. Harassment, threats, and efforts to silence others are not permitted.

Academic honesty

Scholastic dishonesty (including plagiarism, cheating, and unauthorized collaboration) is prohibited and may result in penalties up to an F or N for the course. You are responsible for knowing and following University policies on academic integrity.

Withdrawal / incomplete

You are responsible for withdrawing from the course if you choose not to complete it. If your name appears on the final grade sheet and there is no basis for a grade, an F must be assigned. University drop and incomplete deadlines are strictly observed.

Course outline & daily readings

Course Outline/Assignments (tentative — subject to change by the professor). This table keeps the original day-by-day structure from the syllabus.

Final examination

The final exam will be held in person in our regular classroom on Wednesday, April 19th, from Noon–2:00pm, or at the official time designated by the Registrar’s Office.

Do not plan to depart Redlands until your finals are completed.