Hello, dear friend, you can consult us at any time if you have any questions, add WeChat: daixieit

AS.470.770 section 51 Syllabus

Communicating Public Policy

Course Information:

Communicating Public Policy

AS.470.770.51 ( 3.0 Credits )

AE Spring 2026 [AE Spring 2026]

Description

This course will introduce students to today’s most pressing public policy issues, with an emphasis on writing to achieve impact. Public policy professionals must be familiar with a variety of key issues and be able to effectively make a case for a position. This course will examine such topic areas as health care, energy/environment, fiscal policy, international trade, and education and identify core issues and the politics that characterize each of these policy areas. As part of our study, students will learn the art of writing policy memos, issue briefs, op-eds and speeches. When you complete the course successfully, you will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of five public policy issues through various forms of writing. You will be able to effectively and succinctly write policy memos, issue briefs, op-eds, blogs and speeches, addressing a specified audience, clearly identifying the problem, and making a case for a position or solution.

Course Structure

Course Outline:

Session                                   Course Learning Objective(s)                     Activities & Resources                 Assignments/Assessments

See document uploaded above

What to Expect in this Course:

This course meets in person Thursdays from 6:00pm to 8:40pm, runs for 15 weeks and begins January 22, 2026. Be sure to refer to the Checklist each week, which provides a week-at-a-glance and shows targeted dates for the completion of activities.

Required Text and Other Materials

Textbooks:

You will need to purchase one textbook for this course - Pennock, Andrew. “The CQ Press Writing Guide for Public Policy” 2nd Edition. February 28, 2023. The remainder of the readings for the course can be found on eReserves.

Textbook Search:

You can search for your class textbooks via the AAP Online Bookstore here.

Course Topics and Readings:

Course Topics, Readings and Assignments

The selected readings for this course, along with weekly assignments, are listed in the syllabus. All readings are required unless noted as optional. All readings, unless otherwise noted are available from the JHU ARES (eReserves) system. The instructor reserves the right to modify by adding or deleting learning materials, including readings, to help learners achieve the goals of the course. You will be informed through Canvas Announcements if there is a change.

Minimum Technology Requirements:

Computer

The minimum operating systems for Canvas are:

Mac – OSX 11 or higher

PC – Windows 7 or higher

Also, your computer should be equipped with a Microphone and a Camera.

Note: you may use a mobile device for access, but it’s recommended you have a laptop or desktop prepared in case the mobile device has issues with any of our software.

Browser

For the best experience with our Canvas Integrations (e.g., Panopto and VoiceThread), the recommended browsers are Chrome and Firefox.

You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available. You will also need Java, Cookies, and JavaScript, but the majority of the time, this will be managed by your browser automatically. To verify these are enabled, you can check this Canvas page.

Additionally, you will need to ensure that Third Party Cookies are enabled for our integrations to work. You can do this by following these instructions.

Internet Connectivity

You will be expected to log on to Canvas frequently (daily), so a reliable internet connection is essential. We recommend that you have access to a stable internet connection with speeds of 5 Mbps or higher.

Software

Expectations for additional software or plugins will be communicated within the details of each course:

Adobe Reader – other PDF viewers are not supported.

Microsoft Office 365 - other software such as Google Drive may cause issues when converting between file types and isn’t integrated into Canvas.

Zoom – Instructors may designate real-time virtual office hours via Zoom. For more information on Zoom, please see the Zoom Quick-Start Guide.

The above list includes the most common required software used to support our online courses. Please note: Courses may or may not use all the software listed.

Support

For questions regarding Canvas or issues you are having, feel free to review the Canvas Student Resources or reach out to AAP technical support through any of the following methods:

Phone: 844-417-0874

Chat with an Expert

Email

Evaluation and Grading

Grading Scale:

Grade    Range

A            94% to 100%

A-           90% to 93.999%

B+          87% to 89.999%

B             83% to 86.999%

B-            80% to 82.999%

C             70% to 79.999%

F             0% to 69.999%

There is no rounding of grades.

Assignment Submission:

Students are required to adhere to the following guidelines when submitting written work:

Use correct citation format

Adhere to word limits for each assignment

Cite sources properly

The instructors are required to use the Turnitin tool for written assignments. Please review the JHU Ethics Statement prior to submission.

Assignment Feedback:

The instructor will aim to return assignments to you within 5-7 days following the due date, depending on the length of the assignment. If there is a lengthy writing assignment the instructor may take 10-14 days to grade the assignment. You will receive feedback in the Grades area of the course which can be accessed via the navigation menu.

Learning Objectives

Program Learning Outcomes:

P1 Demonstrate expertise and leadership skills through course work and the thesis process in one or more areas of American politics, including: American political thought, political communication, the media and politics, political parties and elections, federalism, constitutional law, and political psychology and behavior. In addition, Students may gain deeper perspectives in these areas through the study of courses in comparative democracies. Demonstrate expertise through course work and the thesis process in one or more areas of American politics, including: American political thought, political communication, the media and politics, political parties and elections, federalism, constitutional law, and political psychology and behavior. In addition, Students may gain deeper perspectives in these areas through the study of courses in comparative democracies.

P2 Evaluate the interplay of American political institutions, their political development, the political processes that take place within them, and the crafting of key decisions in the areas of politics and public policy-making.

P3 Demonstrate proficiency with qualitative or quantitative research methodologies and exhibit critical thinking skills in important academic or public policy areas through the completion of the thesis portfolio.

P4 Develop oral and written communication skills that enhance leadership qualities and career objectives in public sector, non-profit and private organizations.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

CLO1: Demonstrate a basic understanding of five public policy issues through various forms of writing.

CLO2: Acquire skills to effectively and succincly write policy memos, issue briefs, op-eds, blogs and speeches, addressing a specified audience.

CLO3: Identify problems in public policy areas and make a case for a position andn or a solution.