Policy Writing and Analysis Precapstone

Harvard Extension School

GOVT E-595

Section 2

CRN 15493

View Course Details
This course prepares students for advanced study, writing, and research in policy analysis. Lectures and in-class activities prioritize diagnosis and communication of problems followed by the development of methodological policy prescriptions. Topical readings encompass the foreign and domestic spectrum including historical case studies to illustrate dynamics in motion. Coursework stresses tangible skills to better evaluate, design, and write policy papers. A policy paper is a scholarly work that analyzes a relevant issue and provides evidence-based, actionable recommendations for decision-makers and organizational leaders. Emphasis is placed on the identification of policy challenges, the use of methodological tools to analyze them, and the design and presentation of potential solutions. This course further explores public policy including a comprehensive review of processes that drive and inform decision making at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Students are provided ample writing and research opportunities to explore issues of personal and professional interest in the production of a high-quality policy paper. Assignments include practical tools and skills most frequently used in policy settings such as memos and briefings, but also longer analytical papers and presentations.

Instructor Info

Michael David Miner, PhD

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University


Meeting Info

W 6:00pm - 8:00pm (9/3 - 12/21)

Participation Option: Online Synchronous

Deadlines

Last day to register: August 29, 2024

Additional Time Commitments

Required sections to be arranged.

Prerequisites

Registration is limited to officially admitted candidates in Master of Liberal Arts, government or international relations, who are in their penultimate semester. Prospective candidates and students with pending admission applications are not eligible. Candidates must be in good academic standing, have completed the engaging in scholarly conversation series (if required), and be in the process of successfully completing all other degree requirements. Candidates must enroll in the capstone, GOVT E-599, in the upcoming spring term as their one and only final course (no other course registration is allowed simultaneously with the capstone). Candidates who do not meet these degree requirements are dropped from the course.

Notes

This course meets via web conference. Students must attend and participate at the scheduled meeting time.

Syllabus

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
17163 1 Online Synchronous Nicholas Coburn-Palo Open M 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sep 3 to Dec 21
15493 2 Online Synchronous Michael Miner Waitlisted W 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sep 3 to Dec 21