PA 506 – POLICY ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT
SPRING 2020
Federica Fusi, PhD
Wednesday 6 pm – 8:50pm
Lecture Center Building A, Room A0003
Instructor information
CUPPA EAH – Room 2113 ffusi@uic.edu
I am always willing to meet. Email me to set up a time that is convenient for you.
Teaching Assistant
Evgenia Kapousouz
Ekapou2@uic.edu
CLASS DESCRIPTION AND GOALS
Policy analysis is defined as a problem-solving discipline that draws on theories, methods, and substantive findings of the social sciences and social professions (Dunn 2012). As a multidisciplinary subject, policy analysis is designed to create, critically assess, and communicate policy-relevant information to various stakeholders and decision-makers. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary to:
Conduct Policy Analysis . The purpose of policy analysis is to provide expert advice to policy makers. To do this, analysts should be able to apply methods of policy analysis and be able to understand, evaluate, and synthesize the results of policy research and analyses conducted by others. This course will provide an overview of basic concepts in the practice of policy analysis and provide a basic framework to approach policy problems and to consider various policy alternatives.
Gather and Present Evidence. While data analysis is not the main focus of this class, we will discuss various methods of policy analysis drawing from economics and statistics, including the fundamentals of program evaluation, an introduction to cost-benefit analysis, and an overview of the use of qualitative data in policy analysis. The scope is not to become expert users of these tools but to become expert consumers.
Understand the Rationales of Government action and Political Context of Policy
Analysis . In providing expert advice to policy makers, analysts need to understand the political contexts that enable and constrain policy understanding and policy change. For example, what we regard as "rational" from a legal or economic standpoint is frequently not feasible (“politically rational”) from a political standpoint. Moreover, understanding key assumptions of individuals and firms behavior is key to design effective policy tools.
Prepare & Present Policy Documents . In offering expert advice, the process of policy communication is critical. Analysts must be able to write clear, well‐ organized, and understandable policy documents based on sound evidence and persuasive policy

arguments. They also need to be able to present key information to different audiences, from parliamentary committees to heads of departments or citizen groups. The course will emphasize written and oral communication skills in the context of policy analysis.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Bardach, E. (2015). A practical guide for policy analysis: the eightfold path to more effective problem solving (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks: CQ Press
Additional required readings posted on Blackboard
Recommended:
Dunn, W. N. (2015). Public policy analysis . Routledge.
Weimer, D. L., & Vining, A. R. (2017). Policy analysis: Concepts and practice . Taylor
& Francis.
Wheelan, C. (2011). Introduction to Public Policy . W.W. Norton & Company.
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
Policy Analysis Paper (40 points)
This will be a semester long GROUP project. Topics will be assigned in class. Detailed instructions ARE provided in a separate document available on Blackboard.
Interim Policy Analysis Paper ‐ Problem Structuring (10 points)
To assist you in structuring your policy paper, you will start by conducting a problem structuring and framing exercise. Details are provided on Blackboard.
Final paper (25 points)
The final paper consists of a 10- to 15-page policy analysis including all the sections discussed in class. More information are provided on Blackboard. The final paper is evaluated based on overall clarity, completeness, quality of writing, analysis, and information presented.
Final project presentation (5 points)
Policy analysts are often required to present findings to an audience. Putting all that information in an easy to follow presentation is an important skill. This assignment will require you to summarize your final policy paper into a set of power point slides tailored to an oral presentation. Presentations will take place the last two classes. Presentation guidelines will be posted on blackboard.
Memos (25 points)
In order to gain some experience with data analysis techniques, two memos will be completed throughout the course. Memo will be initiated in class in small groups and completed at home, individually.

Data Memo (15 points): Appropriate use and presentation of data is an essential skill of policy analysts. This memo will require the use of basic statistics and tools to summarize data to answer a policy problem and extract policy relevant conclusions.
CBA memo (10 points): Cost-benefit analysis is a common techniques used to compared different policy alternatives. This memo will require to read a short case study and estimate costs and benefits of the proposed alternatives.
Case studies & participation (35 points)
To encourage your participation and help you to assimilate materials throughout the class, several short activities will be requested throughout the semester.
Write- up (15 points. 5 points each case): We will read and work through several case studies as part of this class. For four of the cases (Nanny State, Coast City, PATH program) you will prepare a short (2 double-spaced pages ) write‐up.
Simulation (5 points) : There is one class simulation that requires everyone’s participation. You will also be required to hand in written notes.
Effective policy memo (5 points): To familiarize yourself with writing a policy memo, find an example of an effective policy memo in your area of interest. In a two-page memo, describe the problem the policy was designed to address, what the policy solution was, and the rationale or logic behind its effectiveness. Note how the brief is structured and written and identify weaknesses and strengths of the policy memo.
Participation (10 points): Class participation is an essential part of the course. It is important to come prepared to discuss the different case studies and reading materials to make the most out of the class. I take notes on class participation – if you don’t consistently attend to class and participate into class discussion and group projects, you cannot expect to receive full participation points.
79-70
69-60
< 60
C
D
E
GRADING SCALE
POINTS GRADE
100-90 A
89-80 B
Outstanding mastery of course content as it can be reasonably expected of students at this stage of graduate education.
Strong performance demonstrating a high level of attainment at this stage of graduate education.
An acceptable performance demonstrating an adequate level of attainment at this stage of graduate education.
A marginal performance in the required assignments that demonstrate a non-passing level of attainment at this stage of graduate education.
For whatever reasons, an unacceptable performance.
The F grade indicates an almost non-understanding of

the course content and might suggest that remedial work is needed to continue graduate studies.
COURSE AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Attendance : Please see me immediately if you have any conflicts with scheduled classes: attendance is required in this course and it is part of your grade. If conflicts arise with assignments, please make sure to contact me beforehand.
Academic Integrity : UIC policies on academic integrity will be strictly enforced in this class.
Instances of academic misconduct by students will be handled pursuant to the Student
Disciplinary Policy ( here ). Please contact me if you have any questions about these policies.
Disability Accommodations: The University of Illinois at Chicago is committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment so that students with disabilities can fully access programs, courses, services, and activities at UIC. Students with disabilities who require accommodations for access to and/or participation in this course are welcome, but must be registered with the Disability
Resource Center (DRC). You may contact DRC at 312-413-2183 (v) or 773-649-4535
(VP/Relay) and consult the following: http://drc.uic.edu/guide-to-accommodations . Please talk with me about any accommodation you may need to succeed in this class.
Class etiquette: You are required to treat each other and each other’s ideas with respect and create a safe environment for open discussion and debate. This also includes using cell phones, surfing the web, etc. during class.
Technology use : Laptop computers, tablets, and other handheld devices are allowed to take notes during class. The instructor will require students to put away these devices during class activities, such as case study discussions, simulations, and student presentations, among others.
Late assignments. All assignments must be submitted by 6 pm (class time) the day they are due.
It will be up to the instructor’s discretion whether to accept any assignment after that time. In an attempt to be fair to students who submit assignments on time, late assignments will be penalized.
Formatting: All written assignments must be submitted in Times New Roman, 12 point, doublespaced, and margins of 1 on all sides. Students must cite work properly and consistently.
Plagiarism : Borrowing any idea, theory, information, or facts that are not common knowledge without acknowledging the source is considered plagiarism and it is a very serious offense. The academic honor code applies under all conditions and instances of plagiarism will be dealt with following UIC academic integrity policies. PLAGIARIZED ASSIGNMENTS WILL
RECEIVE ZERO POINTS.

CLASS SCHEDULE
Week 1 – Jan, 15 th
Course objectives, requirements, and expectations.
Introduction to policy analysis: What is policy analysis? What does a policy analyst do?
Readings (can be done after class):
Dunn, Chapter 1 and Appendix I
Hird, Chapter 1
Week 2 – Jan, 22 nd
Rationales for public policy: market failures.
Readings:
Wheelan, Chapter 3 “Understanding behavior: rational man and woman”
Wheelan, Chapter 4 “Understanding group behavior: collective action”
Wheelan, Chapter 8 “The role of government” 250 – 287
Case study
Flu Vaccine. Read the case as we will discuss it in class.
Additional readings
If you need to review key concept about how the market model works, see Wheelan,
Chapter 7 “The market system”, pages 215-231. Weimer & Vining, Chapters 5-7 also address market failures in great detail
Week 3 – Jan, 29 th
Government failures. Types of public policies and policy tools.
Readings:
Weimer & Vining, Chapter 8, “Limits to Public Intervention: Government Failure”
Bardach, Appendix A and Appendix B
Case study
Flu Vaccine. Re-read the case. We will discuss in class.
Additional readings:
Weimer & Vining, Chapter 9, “Policy problems as market and government failure: The
Madison taxicab policy analysis example” (strongly recommend as a concrete application of the concept discuss in class – helpful as an example of problem statement for your interim paper).
Assignments due:
The Nanny State Case Study. Instructions are on BB.
Week 4 – Feb, 5 th

Policy actors and stakeholders. Developing policy arguments and understanding the institutional and political contexts
Readings
Clemons & McBeth, Chapter 1 “Public Policy, Power, the People, Pluralism, and You”
Clemons & McBeth, Chapter 5 “The Non-Rational (Political) Approach”
Case study:
Sustainability and Mexico City Lake Basin
Assignment due:
Come prepare to discuss the case study by completing the short assignment on
Blackboard. Bring a copy of your assignment in class. You will discuss with others in your same group. At the end of the class, I will collect your notes.
Week 5 – Feb, 12 th
Problem structuring
Readings
Bardach, “Step 1: Define the problem”
Dunn, Chapter 3 – (focus on strategies for structuring the problem)
Case study
Bicycling Coast City – Part A
Assignment due:
Effective Policy Memo
Week 6 – Feb, 19 th
Identifying alternatives.
Readings
Bardach, “Step 3 Construct the Alternatives”
Bardach, “Appendix B Understanding public and nonprofit institutions: Asking the right questions”
Case study
Bicycling Coast City – Part B
Week 7 – Feb, 26 th
Gathering data and assembling evidence. Using data for policy analysis: Descriptive statistics and graphical representation of data.
Readings [focus on Bardach]
Bardach, “Step 2: Assemble some evidence”
Bardach. “Part II: Assembling evidence”

Weimer & Vining, Chapter 14 (good review of available information sources)
Patton, Sawicki, & Clark, Chapter 3
Assignment due:
Interim policy paper due
Week 8 – March, 4 th
Evaluative criteria
Readings
Bardach, “Step 4: Select the criteria”
Kraft and Furlong, pages 179-204
Case study
Bicycling and Coast City (Parts A and B)
Assignment due:
Write-up of case Bicycling and Coast City. Please bring a copy to class. We will use it for discussion.
Week 9 – March, 11 th
Comparing policy outcomes
Readings
Bardach, Step 5 to Step 8
Case study
Fluorescent Lamps Case Study
Assignment due:
Data memo started in week 7
Week 10 – March, 18 th
Cost benefit analysis
Readings
Meltzer & Shwartz, Chapter 5
Dunn, pages 209 – 220
Week 11 – April, 1 st
Policy adoption and implementation.
Readings
Weimer & Vining, Chapters 11 and 12
Additional readings:

Weaver, K.R. (2010). But Will it Work? Implementation Analysis to Improve
Government Performance. Issues in Governance Studies, 32, 1-17.
Case study
California Food Stamp Program
Assignment due:
Cost-benefit analysis memo started in class in week 10
Week 12 – April, 8 th
Evaluating and monitoring policy performance
Readings
Wheelan, Chapter 13
Additional readings
Dunn, Chapter 6
Case study
Jamaica PATH program case study.
Assignment due
Read the Jamaica PATH program case study and write a one-page write-up of which evaluation you would suggest to pick. Briefly discuss why and highlight the limitations of the other approaches.
Week 13 – April, 15 th
Review of statistical tools for policy analysis [TBC].
Case study
TBC
Week 14 – April, 22 nd
Presentations – Groups 1 – 4
Assignment due
Please submit your presentation before class if you are presenting today.
Week 15 – April, 29 th
Presentations – Groups 5 – 8
Assignment due
Please submit your presentation before class if you are presenting today.