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Paula Lantz
Using Public Policy for Social Change provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges, with a focus on social inequalities. You’ll explore various areas of policy work, including social welfare, public health, the environment, education, and criminal justice. Learn the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, and how policymaking functions across all levels of government in democracies worldwide.
Read more
Using Public Policy for Social Change provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges, with a focus on social inequalities. You’ll explore various areas of policy work, including social welfare, public health, the environment, education, and criminal justice. Learn the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, and how policymaking functions across all levels of government in democracies worldwide.
Read more
Using Public Policy for Social Change provides a comprehensive introduction to public policy and its role in addressing societal challenges, with a focus on social inequalities. You’ll explore various areas of policy work, including social welfare, public health, the environment, education, and criminal justice. Learn the fundamentals of public policy design and analysis, and how policymaking functions across all levels of government in democracies worldwide.
The course offers the opportunity to delve into social issues you care about, learn from real-life policymakers and advocates, and strengthen your analytical, critical thinking, and advocacy skills to create positive social change. Using Public Policy for Social Change leads you through each step of the policymaking process and encourages you to see how your talents and passions can play a role in making the world a more equitable place.
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What's inside
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!
Read more
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!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Foundational policy for social impact
According to students, this course offers a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to public policy, particularly for those passionate about social change and equity. Learners appreciate the clear breakdown of the policymaking process and the course's emphasis on real-life examples and policymaker insights, making the content highly relevant and applicable. While it serves as an excellent foundation for beginners, some reviews suggest that certain sections, like policy evaluation, could benefit from more in-depth content or diverse case studies. Overall, students praise the engaging lectures and the opportunity to apply learned concepts through practical activities, making it highly valuable for aspiring professionals and advocates.
Best suited for learners new to public policy or seeking foundational knowledge.
"Overall, a great foundation, especially for those new to the field."
"Good course for beginners in public policy. It provides a solid foundation."
"I found the course quite basic... It feels like an introductory course, not something that builds deep skills."
Emphasizes the ethical implications and equity lens in policy analysis.
"I found the framework for analyzing policy impact and equity very useful."
"The focus on equity and ethical considerations was particularly valuable."
"The discussion on issue framing and agenda setting was particularly insightful, emphasizing equity."
Connects theoretical concepts to real-life policy issues and advocacy.
"The real-life examples and policymaker interviews were invaluable."
"I loved how it connected policy to social equity. The final project allowed me to apply what I learned..."
"Highly relevant for my career in public service. I learned to apply practical tools and strategies immediately."
Provides a clear and structured introduction to the policymaking process.
"The course broke down the complex policymaking process into understandable steps."
"A solid introduction to public policy. The breakdown of the policy cycle was very helpful."
"This course provided a deep dive into using public policy to achieve social change."
Some aspects could benefit from more advanced content or interactivity.
"I felt the section on policy evaluation could have gone deeper with more diverse case studies."
"I found some of the videos a bit dry, and I wished there were more interactive elements or challenging assignments."
"The reading materials were sometimes generic, and I expected more advanced discussion."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow a guided tutorial on how to use a public policy analysis tool
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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.
Join a peer support group or study group for students interested in public policy
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow a guided tutorial on how to use a public policy analysis tool
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Legislator
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.
Lobbyist
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.
Social Worker
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.
Public Health Educator
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.
Environmental Scientist
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.
Teacher
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Journalist
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.
Political Scientist
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.
Urban Planner
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.
Community Organizer
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.
Program Manager
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.
Researcher
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.
Consultant
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yzvzms/using
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Using Public Policy for Social Change.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of public policy, including its history, theories, and processes. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of public policy in society.
Save
Examines the political dimensions of social policy, with a focus on how social problems are defined, how policies are developed to address them, and how those policies are implemented and evaluated. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the role of social policy in shaping society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the public policy process, from agenda setting to implementation and evaluation. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how public policy is made.
Provides a comprehensive overview of policy analysis, including its methods and techniques. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to analyze public policy.
Provides a comprehensive history of social welfare in the United States. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the development of social welfare policies and programs.
Examines the role of education in a democratic society. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of education policy and the challenges facing public education today.
Examines the role of mass incarceration in the United States. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of criminal justice policy and the challenges facing criminal justice reform today.
Provides a comparative overview of social policy in different countries. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways that countries address social problems.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yzvzms/using
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 3-4 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Paula Lantz
Language
English
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