Defines of policy research problems, questions, and hypothesis. Explores modes of policy research, analysis, and rhetoric, including interdisciplinary research strategies. The course uses information sources to emphasize written communication of policy research results. A course also discusses professional practice issues. An inquiry into the policy-making environment, organized around the U.S. federal system.
Special emphasis is placed on the dynamic character of policy making.
In addition, different policy theories are discussed in the context of current political realities. Explores the emerging field of education policy and politics and the extricable nature of policy and policy and politics in education through study of policy as process at the local, state, and federal arenas. Its primary focus is upon policy questions of compulsory schooling, curriculum and testing, governance, and finance, as well as value tensions of quality, efficiency, equity, and choice. An introduction and a critique of the theory and methods used in regional policy analysis. Students learn about central place theory, growth pole theory, and economic base theory, as well as other theoretical constructs used in regional policy analysis.