P11.1022: Introduction to Public Policy
NYU Wagner School, Fall 2010
Course Meetings: Monday, 6:45-8:55 PM
19 West Fourth St., 1st Floor Lecture Hall
Teaching Team
Prof. Rogan Kersh
rogan.kersh@nyu.edu
Puck Building, 3rd Floor (office hrs. by appointment)
212.998.7466
TCs: Rebecca Halleran, Clara Janis, Michael Lens [contact info on B-Board]
The critical issues addressed in public policymaking involve political and moral choices,
along with analytic and administrative aspects. Introduction to Public Policy has long
been a signature course of Wagner’s MPA program in part because this is where those
choices—and the core values of public service and good governance informing them—
are confronted most directly.
Our attention to the values and choices central in policymaking will proceed in three
stages. The initial weeks comprise an overview of public policy in a constitutional
democratic capitalist system—primarily as practiced in the contemporary U.S., but with
reference to other places and times. The second segment takes up the making of public
policy, addressing how complex systems of governance actually function.—along with
explicit detail to the practice of policy analysis and evaluation. Third, we will address
these themes and processes in broader contexts, including ethical and behavioral; along
the way we’ll trace some of the principal tensions in democratic public policymaking.
Course Requirements: Attendance at all classes, given our limited time together, is
essential: if you must be absent, let your TC know in advance. Grading is as follows: 2
short policy memos (30%); midterm exam (30%) and a final exam (40%). We’re a large
group, but we’ll hold regular class-wide conversations; please arrive in class prepared to
discuss readings and (especially) case studies. Optional outside-class discussions will
also be available, as will on-line opportunities to exchange your ideas and opinions.
Course Readings: Two books are required: Deborah Stone’s Policy Paradox (Norton,
2002 ed.) and Eugene Bardach’s Practical Guide for Policy Analysis (CQ Press, 2009
ed.), both at the NYU Bookstore. All other readings will be posted on Blackboard.
Late Assignment Policy: Extensions will be granted only in case of emergency, out of
respect to those who abide by deadlines despite equally hectic schedules. Late
submissions without extensions will be penalized ½ letter grade per day (B+ to B, e.g.)
Students with disabilities: Any students requiring accommodations should contact me to
make proper arrangements. Please be prepared to share your documentation from the
NYU disabilities office regarding appropriate accommodations.
Note: *readings are from books you buy; others are posted on Blackboard site.
Sept. 13
“Public Policy” Introduced
Readings
(Please complete this 1st assignment before arriving in class on the 13th).
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox (2002), Intro., ch. 1, Conc. (pp. 1-34, 376-83).
*E. Bardach, Practical Guide to Policy Analysis (2009), Appendix B.
T. Judt, “Ill Fares the Land” (2010).
I. Overview/Themes
Sept. 20
Democratic Governance & Policymaking: Who Should Govern?
Readings:
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox, chs. 2 (“Equity”), 14 (“Rights”).
R. Putnam, “What Makes Democracy Work?” (1994).
R. Hardin, “Ignorant Democracy” (2006).
M. Lilla, “Tea Party Jacobins” (2010).
Gelman, Lee, & Ghitza, “Public Opinion on Health Care Reform” (2010).
Sept. 27
Markets, Non-Profits, & Public Policy
Readings:
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox, ch. 3 (“Efficiency”).
E. Savas, “Privatization & the New Public Management” (2001).
J. Kurlantzick, “The Malawi Model” (2009).
*E. Bardach, Practical Guide, Appendix C (“Pub/Nonprofit Institutions”).
Moulton/Wise, “Shifting Boundaries b/t Public & Private Sectors” (2010).
B. Weisbrod, “The Pitfalls of Profits” (2004).
*Assignment 1 (Mini-Policy Memo) due by 6 PM, Monday, October 4.
II. Making Public Policy
Oct. 4
Framing/Agenda-Setting
Readings:
D. Stone, Part III intro. (pp. 131-35), chs. 6 (“Symbols”), 8 (“Causes”).
S. Wang, “Changing Models of China’s Policy Agenda-Setting” (2008).
Klein & Dietz, “Obesity: The New Tobacco” [on framing] (2010).
Oct. 11
NO CLASS SCHEDULED: Columbus Day
Oct. 18
Policy Formation & Prospective Analysis
Readings:
*E. Bardach, Practical Guide, ch. 1, Appendix A.
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox, ch. 10 (“Decisions”).
Glied & Tilpman, “Simulation Modeling of Health Care Policy” (2010).
Abstract Factory, “Libertopia & the Fabrication Bomb” (2010).
Oct. 25
Legislatures & Policy Adoption.
Readings:
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox, Part IV intro. (pp. 261-64), ch. 12 (“Rules”).
G. Wilson, “Congress in Comparative Perspective” (2010).
G. Packer, “The Empty Chamber” (2010).
Early-Term Exam: Week of Oct. 25 (12-hour take-home; dates TBD in class)
Nov. 1
Executives, Courts, & Policymaking.
Jacobs & King, “Varieties of Obamaism” (2010).
M. Lipsky, “Dilemmas of the Individual in Public Services” (2010).
J. Dunn, “The Perils of Judicial Policymaking” (2008).
K. Whittington, “Situating Judicial Review” (2008).
T. Vocino, “Confederate Flag Controversy” [Case Study]
Nov. 8
Interest Groups & Policymaking.
Readings:
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox, ch. 9 (“Interests”).
R. Kersh, “Corporate Lobbyists As Political Actors” (2003).
J. Olsson, “The Power of the Inside Activist” (2009).
F. Nelson et. al., “Learn to Love Lobbying” (2007).
Nov. 15
Policy Implementation
Readings:
E. Lipton, “With Obama, Regulations Are Back In Fashion” (2010).
WildEarth Guardians, “Fighting for Survival” (2010).
Interior Department, “12-Month Finding on a Petition…” (2010).
R. Kersh, “The Politics of Health Reform Implementation” (2010).
*Assignment 2 (Policy Memo) due by 6 PM, Monday, Nov. 22.
Nov. 22
Do Policies Work? Policy Evaluation & Feedback
Readings:
Bowens et. al., “The Politics of Policy Evaluation” (2008).
B. Elbel et. al., “Calorie Labeling: A First Look” (2009).
Mettler & Welch, “Civic Generation: Policy Feedback/GI Bill” (2004).
J. Seabrook, “Don’t Shoot” (2009).
Nov. 24
Optional Session: Budgeting Simulation
No readings: policy simulation of US budget process for those interested!
III. Themes in Democratic Policymaking
Nov. 29
Ethics, Accountability, and Policymaking
Readings:
H. Shue, “Ethical Dimensions of Public Policy” (2008).
R. O’Leary, “Guerrilla Employees” (2010).
A. Day, “Donald Rumsfeld-Prisoner Abuse/Abu Ghraib” [Case Study]
D. Cole, “What to Do About the Torturers?” (2009)
Dec. 6
Behavior, Emotion and Policymaking
Readings:
*D. Stone, Policy Paradox, ch. 11 (“Inducements”).
B. Wallace-Wells, “Cass Sunstein Wants to Nudge Us” (2010).
P. Egan & M. Mullins, “Political Experience/Personal Attitudes” (2010).
Dec. 13
Reforming Public Policy
Readings:
*D. Stone, “Policy Paradox in Action” (Policy Paradox, pp. 384-414).
R. Kahlenberg, “Toward a New Affirmative Action” (2010).
N. Barr, “Reforming Pensions” (2009).
P. Light, A Government Ill-Executed (2008), pp. 1-14; skim Ch. 1.
Dec. 15
Final Exam Review (Usual class location/time)
Dec. 20
Final Exam [In-class: 8-10 PM. Also will be 24-hour take-home option.]