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Assignments

A list of all the assignments you will be expected to complete throughout this course.

Reading Quizzes (15%)

Every week, there will be a short quiz on the reading’s key takeaways. The quiz will be made up of 5 multiple choice questions and one “critical thought” short answer question that asks you to think more deeply about the material. There will be 12 of these quizzes across the semester - your lowest 2 will be dropped during grading. These questions will be likely to show up on your midterm, so it’s important that you make your best effort.

Midterm (25%)

Your midterm will be made up of three sections: multiple-choice, short answer definitions, and a long-answer critical thought question revolving around the content we have covered in class. This exam will be completed in class and is open-book, open-note; however, you will be limited to hand-written/printed notes, the midterm review sheet, and physical copies of course material (printed PDFs accepted).

Policy Brief Identification and Analysis Partner Assignment (15%)

This assignment will ask you and a partner to read a policy brief, identify key parts and relevant actors in the policy debate presented, and provide a critique for whether you feel the brief provides adequate information and policy recommendations. The bulk of this assignment will be written in class and is made up of a group grade for identification (Part A) and an individual grade for analysis (Part B). More detailed information for this assignment can be found in the Policy Brief Assignment Handout below.

Group Podcast Final Assignment (35%)

Throughout the second half of this course, you and a group of your classmates will be writing, recording, and editing an original podcast that covers Bardach’s “eight-fold path” of policy analysis for a policy related to your shared interests. Most of the work for this assignment will be done in class to accommodate your busy schedules and lives. Ideally, the finished podcast will be 20-30 minutes and include evidence of effort from each group member. More information about this assignment, including a schedule, can be found in the Podcast Final Project Assignment Handout below.

Participation (10%)

In this course, you will frequently be asked to participate and collaborate with your classmates on in-class activities, thought exercises, and other class assignments. As I don’t assign much work to be completed outside of class, I expect to see a lot of effort in class. If you show up, speak up, and act courteously towards myself and your classmates, this is an easy way to earn 10% of your grade. Note that attendance will also count toward your participation grade.

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Assignment Handouts

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