Policy Analysis Capstone

This course offers candidates in the Master of Liberal Arts, government or international relations, the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in GOVT E-595 to conduct independent policy analysis, write a comprehensive paper, and brief a professional audience. In consultation with the instructor, students select a concrete policy problem, conduct autonomous research to analyze the topic in detail, and provide a set of actionable recommendations for consideration by an outside panel of experts. Throughout the semester students receive feedback from their peers, instructors, and staff to aid project development. Class meetings include the creation of writing schedules, discussions focused on policy analysis methodology, and peer-review analysis of student projects. As time permits special guests are invited to share insights on policy related issues. Students are provided ample writing and research opportunities to explore topics of personal and professional interest in the production of high-quality policy papers worthy of publication outside of the course. Projects are team oriented reflecting a real-world approach seen at the local, state, federal, and international levels on policy matters foreign and domestic. Emphasis is placed on the identification of potential target audiences, such as governmental agencies, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), policymakers, and practitioners. The capstone project culminates with a formal presentation of projects to a panel of policy experts and includes detailed feedback and consideration of the arguments, ideas, and recommendations.