Firearm Purchaser Licensing Teach-Out: The Background Check Policy Not Enough People Are Talking About from Coursera

The best available evidence shows that comprehensive background checks by themselves are insufficient at reducing gun violence, but strong bodies of research demonstrate that states with comprehensive background checks coupled with firearm purchaser licensing, or permit-to-purchase laws, have significantly fewer firearm-involved homicides, fatal mass shootings, and suicides. Additionally, public opinion polling research consistently finds that 75% or more of U.S. adults support firearm purchaser licensing laws and 60% or more of gun owners support these policies.

This Teach-Out event includes a general overview of firearm licensing policies and evidence of their effectiveness, as well as materials on the social context of licensing, including public opinion polling and differences across geographic areas and groups.

Over the next four weeks, you are invited to join us as we explore this topic together through brief lessons, weekly discussions, and call-to-action activities for you to undertake in your own community.

We would also like to acknowledge our funders, the Johns Hopkins Center for Teaching and Learning and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Without their generous contributions, this Teach-Out would not be possible and we are so very grateful for their support.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is firearm purchaser licensing?

How do firearm purchaser licensing systems work?

How does firearm purchaser licensing address gaps present in federal law?

How can grassroots efforts advance firearm purchaser licensing?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines firearm licensing policies, which are highly relevant to gun violence reduction

Taught by Rebecca G. Williams and Cassandra Crifasi, who are recognized for their work in gun violence research

Develops knowledge of firearm licensing and its effectiveness, which are core skills for advocates and policymakers

Explores the social context of firearm licensing, which is often overlooked in discussions of gun violence

Provides opportunities for grassroots efforts to advance firearm licensing, which is crucial for advocacy

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide audience

Reviews summary

Comprehensive gun licensing course

Learners say this engaging course is a useful, informative review of firearm licensing laws. Students appreciate the course's comprehensive coverage of state-specific regulations. Reviews note that the licensing process can be confusing, but find the detailed information in this course to be helpful.

Course is helpful in understanding state firearm laws

"This was a great course and review of updated gun laws nationally, statewide and locally"

Covers licensing info for all states

"The Teach-Out is excellent material ... contains all the details for the licensing, regulations and law, specifically for every state"

Some reviewers expressed concern about potential bias

"one sided"

"Propaganda because it contained no opposing views. "

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Firearm Purchaser Licensing Teach-Out: The Background Check Policy Not Enough People Are Talking About with these activities:

Attend a Webinar on Firearm Licensing Policies

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Learn from experts and gain insights into firearm licensing policies.

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Research and identify upcoming webinars on firearm licensing.
Register for and attend the webinar.
Take notes and participate in Q&A sessions.
Summarize the key takeaways from the webinar.

Practice Analyzing Firearm Licensing Data

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Enhance your ability to interpret and draw insights from firearm licensing data.

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Access publicly available firearm licensing data from a reputable source.
Clean and organize the data for analysis.
Use statistical software or tools to analyze the data and identify trends.
Interpret the results and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Compile Resources on Firearm Licensing Laws and Research

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Gather and organize relevant resources to support your understanding of firearm licensing.

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Conduct a literature search to identify scholarly articles and reports on firearm licensing.
Collect and review relevant news articles, policy briefs, and organizational materials.
Organize the resources into a structured format such as a bibliography or annotated list.
Share the compilation with others to disseminate knowledge.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Volunteer with a Firearm Safety Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to firearm safety efforts in your community.

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Research and identify firearm safety organizations in your area.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in volunteer activities such as education, outreach, or advocacy.
Share your experience and insights with others.

Host a Virtual Town Hall on Firearm Licensing

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Engage with your community and foster dialogue on firearm purchaser licensing.

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Plan the event, including date, time, and format.
Invite speakers and community members to participate.
Facilitate the discussion and encourage diverse perspectives.
Summarize the key points and takeaways from the event.

Review 'Gun Violence: The Facts and the Arguments'

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Familiarize yourself with the key arguments and research findings on gun control.

View The Gun Debate on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and chapter summaries to get an overview.
Select one chapter and read it in-depth, taking notes on the main points.
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the chapter you read.

Develop a State Legislative Proposal for Firearm Purchaser Licensing

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Apply your understanding of firearm purchaser licensing to develop a practical proposal for implementation in your state.

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Research existing firearm purchaser licensing laws in other states.
Identify the key provisions that you believe should be included in your proposal.
Draft a legislative proposal that outlines the provisions and their rationale.
Review your proposal with legal experts and stakeholders to gather feedback.
Revise and finalize your proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Firearm Purchaser Licensing Teach-Out: The Background Check Policy Not Enough People Are Talking About will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers conduct research on the causes and prevention of disease and injury. This course would be highly relevant for Public Health Researchers working on gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease and injury. This course would be highly relevant for Epidemiologists working on gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Research Assistant

Research Assistants conduct research and assist researchers with data collection and analysis. This course would be highly relevant for Research Assistants working on gun violence prevention research, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with community members to identify and address local issues. This course would be highly relevant for Community Organizers working on gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of firearm purchaser licensing policies and their potential impact on gun violence.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This course would be highly relevant for Policy Analysts working on gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of firearm purchaser licensing policies and their effectiveness.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course may be useful for Statisticians who work on gun violence prevention research, as it provides a strong foundation in the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who work on gun violence prevention research, as it provides a strong foundation in the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs and projects. This course may be useful for Program Managers working on gun violence prevention programs, as it provides a strong foundation in the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Attorney

Attorneys represent clients in legal matters. This course may be useful for Attorneys who work on gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of firearm purchaser licensing policies and their potential impact on gun violence.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists advocate for the interests of their clients before government officials. This course may be useful for Lobbyists working on gun violence prevention, as it provides a strong foundation in the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Educator

Educators teach students at all levels, from preschool to college. This course may be useful for Educators who teach about gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of firearm purchaser licensing policies and their effectiveness.

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Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers enforce the law and protect the public. This course may be useful for Law Enforcement Officers who work on gun violence prevention, as it provides a strong foundation in the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate social services and resources. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with victims of gun violence or their families, as it provides a strong foundation in the evidence supporting firearm purchaser licensing policies.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. This course may be useful for Journalists who cover gun violence prevention, as it provides a comprehensive overview of firearm purchaser licensing policies and their effectiveness.

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Legislative Aide

Legislative Aides help members of Congress research and draft legislation, as well as manage constituent relations. This course may be useful for Legislative Aides who wish to enhance their understanding of firearm purchaser licensing policies and their potential impact on gun violence.

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