Political Science Intro to Public Policy Analysis
Political Science
Intro to Public Policy Analysis
PSCI 2106, 3 semester hours, Section 200,
Summer Term B: July 9 - August 9, M-F: 9:15 – 10:50*
Instructor: Srinivas “Chinnu” Parinandi, Assistant Professor of Political Science
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Why does the United States not have a comprehensive green energy policy while Germany does? Why does Canada have a single-payer healthcare system while the United States does not? More locally, why has a large state like California emerged as a leader in environmental regulation while another large state like Florida has not?
In this class, we explore and learn about the governmental and economic factors that influence whether and why countries and states choose to make the policies that they do. We learn about how the structure of legislative institutions can have implications for policy-making, and we learn about when interest groups will be more likely to steer regulators toward siding with their agenda.We also discuss public policy in more theoretical terms: what does it mean to have a “fair” public policy, and what happens when a policy that was previously considered to be “fair” is no longerconsidered to be so?
We focus on modules covering different kinds of policies and talk about energy, the environment, taxes, healthcare, and social welfare. You will learn analytical tools and have the opportunity to delve into a policy area of your choice. This class is great preparation for those of you considering futures in law, business, consulting, other career tracks, and graduate school.
FACULTY BIO: Chinnu Parinandi
Srinivas “Chinnu” Parinandi is assistant professor of political science. He studies energy, environmental, and tax policy in the United States, teaches courses on public policy and American politics, and works with undergraduates onresearch.
*This course will be taught synchronously, which means classes will be held virtually during the days and times listed. However, class sessions will be recorded, so that students who cannot attend the scheduled class time can still participate in the course.
