PUP 3002- Current Controversies in Public Policy

 

PUP 3002 Fall ’14 Syllabus

Instructor: Lia Merivaki

Office: 006 Anderson Hall

Email: merivali@ufl.edu

M-W-F Period 2 (8:30-9:20am); Room MAT 16

Office Hours: Monday 9:30-11:30am

Public Policy is “whatever governments choose to do or not to do”. This broad definition consists of several steps in the policy process, from policy development and analysis, to implementation and, finally, evaluation. Making public policy is a complex task, particularly in the context of American Federalism, where there exist controversies between the states and the federal government over many policy areas. The last years have marked significant developments over controversial policies, from healthcare to gay marriage, while many policies are still hotly debated (minimum wage, gun control, election reform, among others). Despite the controversial nature of many issues in the American political life, the governments at the state and federal levels cannot simply “change” policy, but rather follow a gradual process which often involves political heat, ongoing public support or discontent, as well as media and elite influence.

 

Course Objectives

This course provides students the framework to understand the formation, adoption, budgeting, implementation and evaluation of public policy. Through this framework, students will be able to critically assess and engage in the complexity of current controversial policy issues, taking into consideration the political and institutional context of government at the state and federal levels.

The goal of this course is for students to develop a grounded view of what “public policy” entails, why it is a complex concept, and how the government responds to current controversies in public policy. By the end of this course, students are expected to be able to apply this knowledge to a “current controversy” and thoroughly demonstrate what the federal or state government(s) “choose to do or not to do” about it.