Using Public Policy for Social Change from Coursera

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Syllabus

Week 1: What is Public Policy and What is it Good For?

Welcome to the Using Public Policy for Social Change course and the first-week module! This module provides an overview of the course and introduces learners to public policy as a field of professional practice. This includes an introduction to key concepts and terms and to a framework for understanding the policy-making process in democracies. Let's get started!

Week 2: Issue Framing and Agenda Setting

Welcome to Week 2! This module focuses on the first two steps in the policy-making cycle: “issue framing and “agenda setting.” This includes attention to how social problems can be researched, framed, and advocated for using an equity lens. This week will also include instruction in the basic elements of designing and implementing an advocacy strategy regarding a policy issue. Let's get started!

Week 3: Public Policy Design—What Should We Do?

Welcome to Week 3! You passed the midpoint of this course. Great job! This module focuses on steps three and four in the policy-making process of policy design, which includes policy design and policy decision-making. We cover the basics of the policy design and the important role of prospective policy analysis in the process. The module will also present a framework for analyzing and justifying a specific policy idea/design that includes consideration of its impact, economic efficiency, ethical tensions, and equity/fairness implications. Let's get started!

Week 4: Policy Implementation and Evaluation – Did it Work?

Welcome to Week 4, the last week of this course! This module covers steps five and six in the policy-making cycle: policy implementation and policy evaluation. The focus of this module is on the major techniques used to assess whether public programs and policies are achieving their intended objectives and goals. The module includes a discussion of different types of program evaluation for assessing implementation and impact/outcome goals and the research approaches commonly used for public sector evaluation, including many examples. This module also provides some guidance regarding how to find resources related to policy evaluation research and other aspect of public policy. The module concludes with an overview of the course, along with some guidance for how to find your own niche in the world of using public policy for social change. Let's get started!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores social policy and how to address societal challenges

Taught by Paula Lantz, an expert in public policy

Examines public policy and its impact on social issues

Provides opportunities to apply policy knowledge and advocacy skills

Covers the policy-making process and how to promote social change

Suitable for students interested in public policy and social change

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 Using Public Policy for Social Change with these activities:

Join a peer support group or study group for students interested in public policy

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Joining a peer support group or study group can provide you with a supportive environment in which to learn about public policy and to develop your skills.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Research and find a peer support group or study group that aligns with your interests.
Contact the group and inquire about joining.
Attend the group's meetings regularly and participate actively in the discussions.
Share your knowledge and experiences with the group.

Read a book on public policy

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Reading a book on public policy can provide you with a deeper understanding of the policymaking process and the challenges involved in creating effective public policy.

View Theories Of The Policy Process on Amazon

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Find a book on public policy that is relevant to your interests.
Read the book carefully and take notes on the key concepts and ideas.
Reflect on what you have learned and how you can apply it to your own work.

Attend a workshop on public policy

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Attending a workshop on public policy can provide you with valuable insights into the policymaking process and help you develop your skills in this area.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Research and find a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Register for the workshop and make arrangements to attend.
Attend the workshop and participate actively in the discussions and exercises.
Reflect on what you have learned and how you can apply it to your own work.

Five other activities

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Follow a guided tutorial on how to use a public policy analysis tool

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Following a guided tutorial on how to use a public policy analysis tool can help you to develop the skills you need to analyze public policy issues more effectively.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Find a guided tutorial on how to use a public policy analysis tool that is relevant to your interests.
Follow the steps in the tutorial carefully.
Practice using the tool to analyze public policy issues.
Evaluate the results of your analysis and make recommendations based on your findings.

Participate in a public policy competition or hackathon

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Participating in a public policy competition or hackathon can help you to develop your skills in policy analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Research public policy competitions or hackathons that are relevant to your interests.
Form a team or work independently.
Develop a solution to the policy challenge.
Pitch your solution to a panel of judges.

Write a blog post or article on a public policy issue

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Writing a blog post or article on a public policy issue can help you to clarify your own thoughts on the issue and to share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you have some knowledge of.
Research the topic thoroughly and gather evidence to support your arguments.
Write a clear and concise blog post or article that presents your findings and your recommendations.
Publish your blog post or article and share it with others.

Start a project that addresses a public policy issue

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Starting a project that addresses a public policy issue can help you to develop your skills in policy analysis, advocacy, and implementation.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Identify a public policy issue that you are passionate about and that you have the skills and resources to address.
Develop a project plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and activities.
Implement your project and track your progress.
Evaluate the results of your project and make recommendations for future action.

Create a policy brief on a public policy issue

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Creating a policy brief on a public policy issue can help you to develop your skills in policy analysis, writing, and communication.

Browse courses on Public Policy

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Choose a public policy issue that you are passionate about and that you have some knowledge of.
Research the issue thoroughly and gather evidence to support your arguments.
Write a clear and concise policy brief that presents your findings and your recommendations.
Share your policy brief with policymakers and other stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Using Public Policy for Social Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts are responsible for researching, analyzing, and evaluating public policies. They use their knowledge of public policy to make recommendations on how to improve policies and programs. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Policy Analysts. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Legislator

Legislators are elected officials who make laws. They use their knowledge of public policy to develop and pass legislation that addresses societal challenges. This course would be helpful for Legislators because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Legislators. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legislator

Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent the interests of their clients before government officials. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that benefit their clients. This course would be helpful for Lobbyists because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Lobbyists. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate social problems and access resources. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that improve the lives of their clients. This course would be helpful for Social Workers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Social Workers. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and prevent diseases. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that improve public health. This course would be helpful for Public Health Educators because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Public Health Educators. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the natural environment and its interactions with human activities. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that protect the environment. This course would be helpful for Environmental Scientists because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Environmental Scientists. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs and projects. They use their knowledge of public policy to ensure that programs are designed and implemented in a way that is consistent with public policy goals. This course would be helpful for Program Managers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Program Managers. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues. They use their knowledge of public policy to inform the public about the impact of policies on society. This course would be helpful for Journalists because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Journalists. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. They use their knowledge of public policy to analyze the impact of policies on society. This course would be helpful for Political Scientists because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Political Scientists. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Community Organizer

Community Organizers mobilize people to take action on social issues. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that address the needs of their communities. This course would be helpful for Community Organizers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Community Organizers. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Teacher

Teachers educate students in various subjects. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that improve education. This course would be helpful for Teachers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Teachers. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that promote sustainable and equitable development. This course would be helpful for Urban Planners because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Urban Planners. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Researcher

Researchers conduct research on social issues and public policy. They use their knowledge of public policy to inform policymaking and advocate for evidence-based policies. This course would be helpful for Researchers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Researchers. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and assistance to organizations on a variety of issues, including public policy. They use their knowledge of public policy to help organizations develop and implement effective strategies. This course would be helpful for Consultants because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Consultants. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They use their knowledge of public policy to advocate for policies that support their organizations' missions. This course would be helpful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges. The course also covers the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, which are essential skills for Nonprofit Managers. Additional training or experience may be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Using Public Policy for Social Change

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