THEORY AND PRACTICE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ANALYSIS
ENVR 771
Basic Course Information:
Instructor: Dr. Robert J. Brulle
Office Location: PSA Building, Room 303
Office Hours Monday, 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. or by appointment
Telephone: Office: (215) 895-2294
Email: brullerj@drexel.edu
Overview:
This course examines the theoretical models of policy analysis and their practical applications. The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the social, political and ethical context of policy research, and how this understanding can be translated into an applied practice of policy analysis. To accomplish this, the students conduct an analysis of the epistemological and methodological assumptions of the major approaches of the policy sciences, and how each of these approaches translates into specific practices of environmental policy analysis. The class concludes with a review of the state-of-the-art developments in the creation of a policy process that is both competent and just.
Course Requirements:
1. Class Participation:
The key to success for this course is active participation by all involved. What is sought is to develop a cooperative atmosphere of mutual learning. The class should be seen as the cumulative development of a group conversation. Active and meaningful participation in the class discussions is required. We want to be able to use the time together as a group to share and critique ideas. Accordingly, the students should use the time between classes to become conversant with the material. A key part in learning new ideas is through their use. Brief summaries of the required readings will be presented by students at each class meeting. These summaries will be assigned at the first class session. Each presentation should consist of a brief description of ideas presented, and what the particular reading adds to the overall conversation in the course. In addition, the student should suggest some discussion questions for the class to consider. The presentation should total about 10 minutes in length. Participation in class will constitute 25% of the course grade.
2. Examinations:
The course requires the completion of three take home examinations spread out over the quarter. In general, the questions will be distributed at the end of class, and will be due at the beginning of class the next week. The length of the written exam answers to each question will be expected to be between 5-7 pages. These three examinations will constitute 75% of the course grade.
Required Texts:
The following texts are required. In addition, there is a package of required reading on electronic reserve in Hagerty Library.
National Research Council 1996. Understanding Risk: Informing Decisions in a Democratic Society, Washington DC: National Research Council
Skinner, Q. (ed.) 1985. The Return of Grand Theory in the Human Sciences, New York: Cambridge University Press
Carol H. Weiss 1998 Evaluation Prentice-Hall: Saddle River New Jersey
Course Schedule
Week One September 26, 2005
Introductions, Course Overview, and Administrative Matters
Patton, Carl V., and Sawicki, David S., 1993, Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, pp. 1-67
Weiss, Carol. 1998 Evaluation Prentice-Hall, Chapters 1-4
October 10, 2005 - Columbus Day - Holiday
Camhis, M., 1979 Planning Theory and Philosophy, London, Tavistock Publications, Chapters 1-3
Dutton, William H, Danziger, James N., and Kraemer, K.L., "Did the Policy Fail? The Selective Use of Automated Information in the Policy-Making Process," in Ingram, H.M., and Mann, D.E., 1980 Why Policies Succeed or Fail, Beverly Hills: Sage Publications, 1980
Take home exam #1 assigned, due October 24th.
Skinner, Chapters 2, 4, & 5
Kaplan, Thomas J., Reading Policy Narratives: Beginnings, Middles, and Ends
Brown, R.H., Bureaucratic Bathos, Or How to Be a Government Consultant Without Really Trying, in Administration and Society, Vol. 10, No. 4, February 1979
Take home exam #2 assigned, due November 7th.
Week Six November 7, 2005 Critical Theory and Policy Research
Skinner, Chapters 6 & 7
Dallmayr, Fred R. 1986. Critical Theory and Public Policy, in Policy Analysis: Perspectives, Concepts and Methods JAI
Weiss, Carol. 1998 Evaluation Prentice-Hall, Chapter 5
NRC Understanding Risk: Informing Decisions in a Democratic Society Chapters 1-4
NRC Understanding Risk: Informing Decisions in a Democratic Society Chapters 5-7, Appendix A
Webler, Thomas and Seth Tuler, 2000. Fairness and Competence in Citizen Participation: Theoretical Reflections From a Case Study Administration and Society Vol. 32 No. 5 566-595
Take home exam #3 assigned, due December 5th.
Class Wrap Up