This course examines how public policy is determined in our society, and how individuals as well as public and private institutions affect that process. We will study several different public policy issues in an attempt to understand the many different forces at work in issue campaigns. The course will also explore how issues are raised through state and local ballot initiatives. Students will learn how to construct and deconstruct issue advocacy campaigns. We will make extensive use of contemporaneous print and videotape materials to illustrate the strategies and tactics used in issue campaigns.
Attendance is mandatory.
Issues Management Project. Office Hours Students can make arrangements for individual consultations by contacting me at my office at 1825 I St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC, 20006. The books listed below form the basic required readings for this course. They are available in the GW bookstore. Other reading material, available as handouts or on the internet, is identified in the syllabus.