NUTR-0240-01 Theories of Public Policy, Spring 2004/2005

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Massachusetts Governor John Hancock proposes the Bill of Rights in 1788. Image of mural from House Chamber, Massachusetts State House.

Highlights of this Course

Why government gets involved in some things and not in others.
How public problems are framed and described.
What criteria are useful in developing and assessing policy choices.
How policy choices and outcomes are mediated and influenced by individuals, organizations and political institutions.

Course Description

This course examines competing theories, models, and analytical frameworks for understanding policymaking. Case study application is used to underscore lessons learned. Knowledge of the basic tools of lawmaking is sharpened. The course is taught as a seminar and students are expected to participate actively in class discussion.

Please note that the course as presented here does not contain the full content of the course as taught at Tufts. The included content is based on material the Tufts faculty and instructors choose to include, as well as factors such as content preparation, software compatibility, and intellectual property and copyright restrictions.

Course Faculty

Kathleen Merrigan

Assistants

Catherine Helen Culleton

Anna Whitson Herforth

Course Length

39 Hours

Level

Graduate