POL 250: Introduction to Public Policy

Goal: To provide an overview of policy making processes in American government at the federal, state and local levels, as well as factors shaping public decision making, evaluation of policy effectiveness, and issues relevant to political inquiry.
Content: This course introduces students to major issues in public policy, including the identification of policy problems, inputs into government action, tools available to address policy problems, effects of public policy, the various constituencies that influence how policy is made, and the theoretical underpinnings of policy decisions.
Credit: 3
Degree Level: Undergraduate