AS.470.608 Public Policy Evaluation & the Policy Process

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AS.470.608 section 52 Syllabus

Public Policy Evaluation & the Policy Process

Course Information:

Public Policy Evaluation & the Policy Process

AS.470.608.52 ( 3.0 Credits )

AE Spring 2026 [AE Spring 2026]

Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the public policymaking process, to the basics of policy analysis, and to the substance of some of today’s major policy debates. The first half of the course focuses on establishing a framework in which to analyze public policy formulation within the United States. The class also reviews the tools for developing and implementing policy. The second half of the course turns to policy analysis of some critical contemporary issues. Building on earlier readings, we will study current debates in economic/tax policy, education, health care, social security, and national security. (Core requirement for the MA in Public Management. Elective option for Government. Analytics students)

Course Structure

Course Outline Document:

Course Outline:

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

See Course Outline

What to Expect in this Course:

This course is 15 weeks in length and includes individual, group, and whole group activities in a weekly cycle of instruction. Each week begins on a Monday and ends on the following Sunday. Please review the course syllabus thoroughly to learn about specific course outcomes and requirements. This course will follow the Advanced Academic Programs Grading Policies and Probation and Dismissal Policy.

Required Text and Other Materials

Textbook Search:

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

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

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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.

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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

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Evaluation and Grading

Grading Breakdown:

Course Requirements                Assignment Value

Memo 1                                   20 points + 5 points for first draft

Memo 2                                   25 points + 5 points for first draft

Principal Briefing                       20 points

Final Exam                               30 points + 5 points for first draft

Participation                             5 points

In class assignment                  10 points

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:

Assignments should be submitted via email before midnight on the due date. Students are required to adhere to the following guidelines when submitting written work:

Adhere to word limits for each assignment.

Cite sources properly.

Ensure appropriate formatting.

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 analytical skills including quantitative and qualitative tools to assess the policies and program effectiveness.

P2: Design, evaluate, and experiment with specific policies with regard to their ability to meet public priorities;

P3: Appraise and compare management and organization systems utilized in public sector for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness;

P5: Develop oral and written communication skills that will enhance career objectives in the public sector.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

CLO1: Write a standardized policy decision-memorandum.

CLO2: Utilize key policy evaluative criteria.

CLO3: Use cost-benefit analysis to evaluate different policy approaches.

CLO4: Design a policy-implementation tool such as a refundable tax credit or a government revolving loan

CLO5: Conduct an impartial policy evaluation utilizing economic, policy, and political pro and cons.