Assignment: Policy Analysis Crib Sheet

Goals

In this assignment, you will demonstrate your ability to meet the following course learning objectives:

Recall and restate the 8 steps of policy analysis, including theories and methods associated with each (stretching beyond Bardach)

Formulate and articulate your own vision of good policy analysis and its role in the policy process, based on coursework and personal experience. "Put your own stamp" on the 8-step approach.

Instructions

The framework that you study in this course should be applied throughout the remainder of your program, your final practicum, and your career. Throughout this course you will create a takeaway piece, your own "crib sheet" that you can refer to in the future when you need to think about policy analysis.

Your crib sheet should recall the steps of policy analysis, but also weave in insights from the course readings beyond the textbooks. Go deeper. Include tips and advice about how to cope with the more challenging parts of policy analysis. Incorporate the hard-won wisdom gained from the policy memo assignments and anything that you don't want to forget when you move on from this course.

A key goal is to synthesize learning and material from throughout the term and from a variety of course materials, rather than simply reiterating the 8 steps. Do not merely describe the 8 steps. This assignment requires that you refer to at least 3 non-textbook readings. Feel free to use more.

Your crib sheet can take any form that you find practical and useful - a one-page job aid, a colorful infographic, a checklist, drawing, video, webpage, jingle, mnemonic... whatever. This assignment will hone your ability to simplify content without dumbing it down.

Draw on any talents or interests you have outside of public policy (songwriting, graphic design, stand-up comedy) and let your creative juices flow. At the end of the course we will hold a contest where you can share your crib sheet or your favorite element of it and you will vote on each other's work. Participation in this contest is optional, but completion of the crib sheet is required.