This course analyses in depth several high-profile contemporary Canadian policy issues. Students will use what they have learned in their prior studies to research and analyze a current policy issue of interest to them. The course provides a foundational framework to enable students to develop their capacity to analyze and understand public policy.

A critical role of policy analysts is to provide advice to decision-makers on how to respond to long-term trends. However, this is often a problematic because the time frame for politicians typically is limited to several years (until the next election) rather than extending to decades or longer. As such, population aging and demographic trends will be employed as one example during class discussions.

The course is designed to stimulate in-depth critical thinking on politics and policy analysis and to develop the skills and knowledge of required by professionals in the broader public sector. It is anticipate that students will produce high-quality case studies that demonstrate their potential as researchers. The course is also useful preparation for further academic and professional studies.

Required text

Howlett, Michael, M. Ramesh and Anthony Perl. 2009. Studying Public Policy: Policy Cycles and Policy Subsystems (3rd edition). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780195428025

Additional required readings

Students will be asked to access these via the York Libraries, or in some cases these may be provided electronically.

Recommended text

Dwyer, J. A. & Klassen, T. R. 2005. Flourishing in university and beyond. Toronto: York University Bookstore.

Evaluation

Please note

1. Late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments must be submitted in hard copy during class times.

2. Please keep draft copies (electronic and otherwise) of your work for our course. These may be requested.

3. Plagiarism will result, at the minimum, in a grade of zero.

4. If at any time during the course, you have questions or concerns about any aspect of our course, or are uncertain about how to proceed with an assignment, please speak to me.

5. Feel free to submit drafts of assignments for review and feedback to me prior to the due dates.

6. March 8 is the last date to withdraw from this course without receiving a grade.