POLS 360 - Public Policy & Social Change

5 Credits

This course will examine how individuals and groups influence public policy. Students will learn about local and state government and how policy makers influence and impact the human services field. The course will emphasize how to advocate with legislators and government officials to effect change in our communities.

Pre-requisite(s) ENGL& 101 with min 2.0
Program Admission Required Yes Admitted Program BAS - HSER
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Winter Evening

Designed to Serve Human services, social service and political science majors.
Active Date 20250520T14:16:03

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
Restricted Elective Yes
Course Outline
I. Introduction to local and state government

II. Exploration of community organizing

III. The process of public policy

IV. Effective advocacy strategies

Student Learning Outcomes
Explain levels of state/local government and select legislative policies that relate to human services.

Analyze the successes and challenges of historic and contemporary social movements that addressed social inequity and systemic oppression.

Formulate an advocacy proposal to lobby politicians and government officials to change a policy and/or access funding for a human services cause.

Construct a proposal that fosters an inter-agency collaboration to affect social change.