Wikipedia:WikiProject United States Public Policy/Courses/Policy Analysis fall 2010 (Linquiti)

Course description
This course provides an introduction to policy analysis for masters-level students. Weimer and Vining define policy analysis as “client-oriented advice relevant to public decisions and informed by social values.” Policy analysis is a field of applied social science research in which analysts define and frame public problems, identify potential options for addressing problems, use reason and evidence to evaluate options, and sometimes recommend solutions. Within this broad definition, numerous specific approaches can be observed in day-to-day policymaking.

Wildavsky – one of the founders of the modern discipline of public policy – argues that policy analysis “can be learned but not taught.” Accordingly, this course uses case studies of current policy issues as a learning strategy. Students will also be asked to conduct their own analyses – working by themselves and in groups – of multiple policy issues.

Assignment overview
Students will select and critique a Wikipedia page related to a current policy topic (which may not be the same topic used for the framing memos or the group presentation). Key criteria for the critique include credibility of the page, intended audience, currency of content, degree of support for the information and analysis, use of policy analysis tools or concepts, extent of balance and/or bias, and any recommended changes to content, style, and tone. The critique should cite additional sources of evidence identified by the student that are relevant to the Wikipedia page and assess the implications of the evidence for the content of the page. The student should submit changes to Wikipedia and then monitor for one week feedback from the Wikipedia “community.” The student should summarize such feedback and include reflections on its validity.

Assignment timeline

 * 8 November - Policy topic and Wiki article identified.
 * 15 December - Assignment due.

Article Selection/Assessment
Students should select articles that have been rated at the "C" or "B" level according to the project's assessment table. Should a student select an article that has not yet been rated, the student can get it rated by:
 * Selecting an online ambassador as a mentor (see the ambassador tab of the Public Policy WikiProject) and asking the mentor to evaluate the article
 * Posting a message on the discussion page of the Public Policy WikiProject requesting that someone evaluate the article

Students

 * - Digital divide
 * - Clean Air Act (United States)
 * - Fair Sentencing Act
 * - Land reform
 * - Arctic policy of the United States
 * - Fair Sentencing Act
 * - Urban Economic Development Initiatives in Detroit
 * -Don't ask, don't tell
 * - Humanitarian intervention