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Sample electives courses include: 

Qualitative Methods (PPOL-G L609)
This advanced course focuses on the theoretical foundations of qualitative methods with emphasis on their practical relevance for public policy.  Students will learn the underlying logic of the various ways of conducting qualitative research, as well as to develop skills in moving from description to theory-building with qualitative data.   Through class assignments and activities, students also will become familiar with key aspects of qualitative research design, as well as issues related to reliability, validity and the ethical dimensions of qualitative research.

Social Welfare Policy (PPOL-G 743)
This course studies social welfare policy narrowly defined as the
alternative plans, decisions, choices, and actions of the public sector
that have a direct impact on the material welfare of socially and
economically disadvantaged citizens by providing them with services
and/or income. Topics include social insurance, public assistance, health, and housing services.

Community Political and Economic Development (PPOL-G 744)
The course explores the complex relationship between economic development policy and sociocultural and political processes at the community level. Examined will be global trends and local economic conditions using a range of theoretical approaches. Short case studies
are used to survey a range of local policy responses to the pressures
of economic decline. This will provide an empirical basis for evaluating
the explanatory adequacy and policy implications of the theories.
Finally, analysis of the role of grassroots organizations, leadership, and
populist movements in shaping alternative approaches to economic
development will be explored.

Advanced Quantitative Methods (PPOL-G 745)
The goal of this course is to deepen the student's understanding of multiple
regression estimation by further examination of problems associated
with choosing a proper mode and estimating its parameters. As with
the other research/statistics courses, the emphasis is on practical
uses for policy work with statistical and econometric theory kept to a
minimum.

Law and Public Policy (PPOL-G 747)
This course is designed to expose students to the differing theoretical perspectives in the academic literature, as well as to important areas of law.  The course focuses on judicial policy making and the nature of the litigious US society.  In addition to examining why the courts are such central actors in US policy making, the course also explores the consequences of court actions in, for example, labor policy, social legislation, special education, desegregation, civil rights, welfare, abortion, the environment and/or health care.

Topics in Health Care Policy (PPOL-G 748)
The course studies the determinants of health policy in the
US, including the decisions and non-decisions made by the institutional
and political actors at all levels of government and by private sector
actors.  The course covers the failure of health care reform in the US;
the marketing, corporatization, and commodification of health care;
comparisons with Western European nations; and topics in the
assessment of health care quality.

Scientific and Political Change (PPOL-G L749)
Although relatively few Americans have backgrounds in science or engineering, they are increasingly confronted with issues that are technically complex.   This course explores the resulting tensions and asks how the needs for scientific expertise and democratic control of science and technology are reconciled.   The first half of the course traces the historical development of American science policy and situates this development in comparative perspective.   The second half focuses on contemporary controversies, including those over the nature of university-industry relations, patent policy, and the causes of expert/lay disagreements over risk.

Human Rights and Public Policy (PPOL-G 750)

The course focuses on the relationship between public policy and human rights.  Its concerns encompass the following questions: how does one define and understand human rights?  What are the grounds for human rights emphases on the part of public policy specialists or professionals?  What is the nature, scope and depth of issues that are pertinent to public policy specialists?  And, most important, how do the development, promotion and protection of human rights change the character and content of public policy as well as the nature of our individual and collective possibilities.

NEW FOR SPRING 2008

(Follow the link for syllabus and course description)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Public Policy

Income and Wealth Disparities: Causes, Consequences and Solutions

Do you want to change the face of public policy?

Contact us at public.policy@umb.edu for more information.

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