Public Policy (PPOL)

PPOL 002, LEADERSHIP, 0 Credits

Provides students with basic personal and interpersonal leadership skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, the leadership experience help students explore motivation, decision-making, time management, power, team building, conflict, ethics, dealing with change, communication skills, and diversity issues.

PPOL 201, INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY, 4 Credits

Examines the policy making process(es) and implications for the conduct of policy analysis. Reviews the policy implementation process(es) and implications for the conduct of policy analysis. Focuses upon specific quantitative and qualitative policy analysis/program evaluation techniques.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 371, PUBLIC POLICY PROBLEMS, 4 Credits

The content and the politics of adoption and application of such policy areas as defense, poverty and welfare, macroeconomics, and regulation.

Equivalent to: PS 371

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 372, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, 4 Credits

The workings of the modern administrative state, processes and procedures through which government acts, and the balance between powerful government, democratic and accountable government, and efficient government.

Equivalent to: PS 372

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-2 Credits

Equivalent to: PPOL 399H

This course is repeatable for 6 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-2 Credits

Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator

Equivalent to: PPOL 399

This course is repeatable for 6 credits.

PPOL 402, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-4 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

PPOL 406, SPECIAL PROJECTS, 1-12 Credits

Associated with the internship for which credit is given in PPOL 410.

This course is repeatable for 12 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 407, SEMINAR, 1-6 Credits

This course is repeatable for 6 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 409, PRACTICUM/CLINICAL EXPERIENCE, 2 Credits

This discussion-based course will cover topics in public policy based on assigned readings.

PPOL 410, INTERNSHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE, 1-12 Credits

Supervised work experience in public policy-related programs, government, or organizations. Reports and appraisals required. Only 5 credits may be applied to the major.

This course is repeatable for 12 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 413, ETHICS IN PUBLIC POLICY, 4 Credits

Examines ethical dilemmas in public policy, and provides the opportunity to study the ethical theories of Hobbes, Kant, Mill, and Rawls. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 413/PS 413.

Equivalent to: PS 413

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 415, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR, 2 Credits

Introduces the public policy profession and begins to prepare students for working together as a cohort. Focuses on research ethics, public service ethics, career opportunities, professional development, and orientation for their course of study.

Recommended: Critical thinking, evaluation, and organization skills

PPOL 421, INTRODUCTION TO POLICY RESEARCH, 4 Credits

Explores research methods and policy analysis as part of a two course sequence on policy research and analysis. Introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods, including research design, research paradigms, and ethical considerations. Reviews responsibilities as a researcher through selected modules of the on-line CITI Responsible Conduct of Research training. Prepares students for the material and assignments used in PPOL 422.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 422, ^POLICY ANALYSIS, 4 Credits

Overview of common policy analysis approaches, methods and tools used to identify, assess, present and select public policy. Assignments include reading, reflection, exercises and a multi-stage policy analysis memo project using analyses conducted in PPOL 421.

Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite: PPOL 421 with C or better

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 441, *ENERGY, CLIMATE AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits

Explores the complex interrelationships between humans and energy, emphasizing the role of energy in critical social issues, including but not limited to: domestic and international conflict, poverty, social change, inter-generational equity, energy transitions and environmental justice. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 441/SOC 482.

Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society

Equivalent to: SOC 482

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 446, THE POLICY AND LAW OF U.S. COASTAL GOVERNANCE, 4 Credits

Examines federal and state policy, legislative and judicial protections of public beach access; ownership and use of tide and submerged lands, including the public trust doctrine; wetland conservation; and the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act. This course is intended to equip future environmental and natural resource professionals with a foundation in US coastal management, especially areas where new professionals will be very involved (coastal development, offshore/alternative energy, and sea level rise/storm hazards). The format includes reading, discussion, and student presentations. Readings will be drawn from the textbook; additional readings will be posted on Canvas.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 447, INTEGRATED POLICY: FOOD, ENERGY, WATER, CLIMATE, 4 Credits

Environmental decisions include trade-offs. Policy choices for sustainably providing Earth's eight billion people with food, energy, and water are urgently needed. Policy sectors (such as food) risk outcomes that are not beneficial, and impose long-term costs and potential catastrophic climate burdens. This transdisciplinary course examines emerging integrated policies concerning provision of food, energy, and water and their relationship to climate.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 448, MARINE POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES, 4 Credits

Introduces students to the history, rationale, achievements, and gaps in American ocean policy. Students will acquire foundational tools of policy analysis and problem solving, and will synthesize and apply their knowledge creatively in order to propose integrated policy solutions to specific contemporary marine issues.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 450, LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, 4 Credits

Analyze leadership theories based on traits, skills, authenticity, situational, servant, inclusive, and transformational leadership models. Examine case studies, empirical evidence and problem sets addressing leadership challenges.

Recommended: Previous leadership studies; analytical, evaluation, and leadership skills

PPOL 453, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY, 4 Credits

Explores the challenges, debates and policy mechanisms related to effective economic development and humanitarian aid for developing countries. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 453/PS 453 and PPOL 553/PS 553.

Equivalent to: PS 453

PPOL 455, HOUSING POLICY, 4 Credits

Analyzes U.S. federal, state, and local housing policies, and policies that impact housing. Draws broadly from multiple social science disciplines, focusing on consequences, intended and unintended, of policies, while examining promising policy developments aimed at improving housing adequacy, equality, and accessibility. Provides insights on rural v. urban and international comparisons, employing theory and multiple methodologies.

Prerequisite: WR 121 with D- or better or WR 121H with D- or better or WR 121Z with D- or better or WR 121HZ with D- or better

PPOL 471, PROTESTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 4 Credits

Introduces core theoretical and methodological issues related to social movements in the US and abroad. Emphasizes social forces giving rise to movements, tactics employed by movements, and impacts of them on society. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 471/SOC 471 and PPOL 571/SOC 571.

Equivalent to: SOC 471, SOC 471H

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 474, INTERNATIONAL ENERGY POLITICS AND POLICY, 4 Credits

Addresses international energy policies and politics, including trends and socio-political challenges impacting the diversity of global energy sources. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 474/PS 474.

Equivalent to: PS 474

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

PPOL 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-12 Credits

This course is repeatable for 99 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 999 credits.

PPOL 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-10 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 507, SEMINAR, 1-4 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits

Supervised work experience in government, public policy, public affairs or non-profit organizations. Reports and appraisals required.

This course is repeatable for 12 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 511, PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERSHIP, 4 Credits

Provides an historical overview of developments in, and theories associated with, the organization and control of public organizations. Students will critically examine various influential models of bureaucracy, while also learning about the strengths and weaknesses of emergent forms of bureaucratic organization, including networks, public-private partnerships, collaboration, and governance. The course also explores different theories of leadership, assisting students in the development of their own authentic leadership style, and thinking through the application of such theories and styles to the real world of public organization leadership, especially in the fragmented, decentralized, complex, and uncertain contemporary environment of networks, partnerships, and governance.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 512, PUBLIC POLICY THEORY, 4 Credits

Theoretical approaches to the study of the policy process, policy elements, policy tools, (e.g., regulation), and policy typologies.

Equivalent to: PS 571

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 521, UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL RESEARCH, 4 Credits

Study of basic concepts and principles of qualitative and quantitative social research, including selection of general strategies and specific designs, conceptual and operational measurement, sample selection, data collection, data processing and analysis techniques, interpretation and reporting. Utilizes reports of social research in scholarly journals, popular media, and agency documents. Emphasis on critical evaluation and interpretation.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 522, QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS, 4 Credits

Covers a variety of techniques for analyzing quantitative data, including linear regression, logistic regression, and other techniques. Emphasis is placed on working with data and software to answer research questions. Prior knowledge of hypothesis testing and descriptive statistics is assumed.

Prerequisite: PPOL 521 with C or better and ECON 524 [C]

Equivalent to: SOC 516

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 523, QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits

An introduction to the theory and methods of qualitative research. Students will be exposed to various qualitative research methods through practical field exercises. These include ethnographic field observation, content analysis, interviewing, focus groups and unobtrusive measures. Other commonly used methods of collecting qualitative data are also examined. CROSSLISTED as SOC 418 and SOC 518/PPOL 523.

Equivalent to: SOC 518

Recommended: SOC 204

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 524, APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS, 4 Credits

Application of sociological theory, concepts, and methods. Topics vary but may include program evaluation, social impact assessment, policy analysis, focus group research, survey research, among others.

Equivalent to: SOC 519

Recommended: SOC 204 or SOC 204H and at least one upper-division course in sociology.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 531, INFLUENCING PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DARK ARTS, 4 Credits

Explores the various tactical and strategic behaviors that individuals and groups use to influence public policy. Focusing on the ethical and pragmatic dimensions of policy consequential tactics and strategy, topics vary but may include policy communication, the use of science and evidence, human cognition and decision-making processes, lobbying, and vote and agenda manipulation.

PPOL 541, ENERGY, CLIMATE AND SOCIETY, 4 Credits

Explores the complex interrelationships between humans and energy, emphasizing the role of energy in critical social issues, including but not limited to: domestic and international conflict, poverty, social change, inter-generational equity, energy transitions and environmental justice. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 541/SOC 582.

Equivalent to: SOC 582

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 544, COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE, 4 Credits

Explores and develops the norms, rules, institutional design, decision-making dynamic, and politics of collaborative governance arrangements for complex natural resource problem settings. Designed to bring together traditional adversaries, government agencies, and citizens to resolve and improve management of collective public problems, collaborative governance for natural resources is now an important problem-solving tool that is employed in thousands of communities, watersheds, and landscapes around the world.

PPOL 546, THE POLICY AND LAW OF UNITED STATES COASTAL GOVERNANCE, 4 Credits

Examines federal and state policy, legislative and judicial protections of public beach access; ownership and use of tide and submerged lands, including the public trust doctrine; wetland conservation; and the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act. This course is intended to equip future environmental and natural resource professionals with a foundation in US coastal management, especially areas where new professionals will be very involved (coastal development, offshore/alternative energy, and sea level rise/storm hazards). The format includes reading, discussion, and student presentations. Readings will be drawn from the textbook; additional readings will be posted on Canvas.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 547, INTEGRATED POLICY: FOOD, ENERGY, WATER, CLIMATE, 4 Credits

Environmental decisions include trade-offs. Policy choices for sustainably providing Earth's eight billion people with food, energy, and water are urgently needed. Policy sectors (such as food) risk outcomes that are not beneficial, and impose long-term costs and potential catastrophic climate burdens. This transdisciplinary course examines emerging integrated policies concerning provision of food, energy, and water and their relationship to climate.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 548, MARINE POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES, 4 Credits

Introduces students to the history, rationale, achievements, and gaps in American ocean and coastal policy. Students will acquire foundational tools of policy problem solving, critique, and analysis, and will synthesize and apply their knowledge creatively to propose integrated policy solutions to specific contemporary marine issues.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 550, LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, 4 Credits

Analyze leadership theories based on traits, skills, authenticity, situational, servant, inclusive, and transformational leadership models. Examine case studies, empirical evidence and problem sets addressing leadership challenges.

Recommended: Previous leadership studies and current or previous leadership experience

PPOL 551, HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY, 4 Credits

An introduction to policy issues in the area of higher education and exploration of possible tensions within the policy goals of quality, equity, access and outcomes. Students will gain knowledge of the key pieces of legislation and constitutional law governing higher education policy at both federal and state levels, as well as an overview of the relevant research in this area. Begins with a short historical introduction to the U.S. higher education system and concludes with a discussion of its competing demands and functions.

PPOL 552, INTERNATIONAL COMPARATIVE RURAL POLICY, 4 Credits

Examines and compares the role of rural policy in different cultural, political and administrative contexts at the international, national, state, regional and local levels. The course also provides the opportunity to study the nature and implications of new forms of governance in rural contexts in North America and Europe.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 553, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY, 4 Credits

Explores the challenges, debates and policy mechanisms related to effective economic development and humanitarian aid for developing countries. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 453/PS 453 and PPOL 553/PS 553.

Equivalent to: PS 553

PPOL 554, PUBLIC POLICY THROUGH THE LENS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION, 1 Credit

Examines complex identities and social groups and highlights how they face unique challenges due to the systems of power at work, both in current and past political, economic, and social frameworks. Encourages students to bring their own perspectives and lived experiences to the course and leaves them with a broader understanding of how the public service sector interacts with these identities.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 555, HOUSING POLICY, 4 Credits

Analyzes U.S. federal, state, and local housing policies, and policies that impact housing. Draws broadly from multiple social science disciplines, focusing on consequences, intended and unintended, of policies, while examining promising policy developments aimed at improving housing adequacy, equality, and accessibility. Provides insights on rural v. urban and international comparisons, employing theory and multiple methodologies.

PPOL 571, PROTESTS AND SOCIAL CHANGE, 4 Credits

Introduces core theoretical and methodological issues related to social movements in the US and abroad. Emphasizes social forces giving rise to movements, tactics employed by movements, and impacts of them on society. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 471/SOC 471 and PPOL 571/SOC 571.

Equivalent to: SOC 571

Recommended: SOC 204

PPOL 574, INTERNATIONAL ENERGY POLITICS AND POLICY, 4 Credits

Addresses international energy policies and politics, including trends and socio-political challenges impacting the diversity of global energy sources. CROSSLISTED as PPOL 574/PS 574.

Equivalent to: PS 574

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 602, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-4 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

PPOL 603, THESIS, 1-12 Credits

This course is repeatable for 999 credits.

Available via Ecampus

PPOL 607, SEMINAR, 1-4 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

PPOL 609, PRACTICUM, 1-12 Credits

This course is repeatable for 24 credits.

PPOL 613, ADVANCED POLICY THEORY I, 4 Credits

First of two-class series introducing a comprehensive review of public policy theory focused on examining theoretical approaches to understanding the complex and contentious assumptions and premises that pose challenges to the way we conduct public policy.

PPOL 614, ADVANCED POLICY THEORY II, 4 Credits

Second course in a two-course series providing a comprehensive review of public policy theory. The course examines theoretical approaches to understanding the complex and contentious assumptions and premises that pose challenges to the way we conduct public policy.

PPOL 621, ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE METHODS, 4 Credits

Methods used in research in the social sciences, focused on causal inference in public policy contexts. Covers methods used at the frontier of research to estimate the causal effect of policies on outcomes, including instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, and difference-in-differences estimation.

Recommended: ECON 524

PPOL 622, ADVANCED POLICY ANALYSIS, 4 Credits

Introduction to advanced quantitative modeling used in policy analysis, with an emphasis on the application of modeling techniques to research papers. Focus is predominantly on counts and zero-truncated modeling, time series, and panel regression.

Prerequisite: (ECON 524 with B+ or better and PPOL 522 [B+]) or PPOL 621 [C+] or (AEC 523 [C+] and AEC 525 [C+])

PPOL 628, ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS, 4 Credits

Focus on epistemological approaches, research design, data analysis techniques and critiques of qualitative research, with emphasis on participant observation and interviewing. Culminates in the written and oral presentation of a qualitative research proposal, including preliminary results from fieldwork conducted during the course.

Prerequisite: ANTH 591 with C or better or HDFS 538 with C or better or PPOL 523 with C or better or SOC 518 with C or better

PPOL 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.