Early Childhood & Family Policy Graduate Certificate

Policy research and analysis are key components in each stage of the policy cycle (agenda setting, policy formulation, policy adoption, policy implementation, policy evaluation, policy termination and policy change). Theory takes a prominent role in this course, as it provides the lens through which to understand the central questions, logics, and values that underpin how policy is understood and supported by analysts and researchers. Throughout the course, theories and policy tools will be applied to real-world examples, providing concrete opportunities to examine different, sometimes competing, analytic approaches and the contexts in which they are applied. To anchor our ability to compare/contrast theories and approaches, we will use a simplified policy analysis framework throughout the course to guide class discussions and to organize ideas (see course assignments for additional detail). The framework may ultimately also be useful for you to develop and refine your own, personalized situatedness in the broad field of policy analysis. This framework is guided by six key questions: 1. What is the problem that begs for a solution? What are the underlying assumptions behind this problem? 2. What indicators demonstrate the problem exists? 3. What is the rationale for government/policy intervention to address the problem? 4. Who are the key stakeholders related to the problem and the solution? 5. Who are the primary opponents to solving the problem this way? What alternative rationales/solutions might they recommend? 6. What evidence or measures of success would “prove” that the problem has been affected in the way the policy designers planned?