11.007  Resolving Public Disputes

Spring 2004

Instructor: Judith Layzer

Lecture:  TR1-2.30  (5-231)        

Information: 

Course Description:
This course introduces students to the American policymaking process through the lens of public policy disputes. At the heart of the course are two questions: Why and how do we fight over public policy? And how do we resolve those disputes? A key premise is that politics is largely about persuasion; thus, we begin by focusing on how people decide what they care about and how they persuade others to see the world as they do. We then consider how public disputes typically get resolved in the U.S.¿in the legislature, in agencies, and in the courts. Finally, we consider some less traditional but increasingly popular approaches to resolving public disputes, such as collaborative and community-based problem solving. Throughout the course, we link theoretical discussions about the policy process to actual policy debates over such issues as same-sex marriage, smoking, terrorism, genetically modified food, international trade, campaign finance, energy development, and affirmative action.
In addition to helping students understand the dynamics of policymaking in the U.S., the course aims to help students formulate and articulate¿both orally in and writing¿their own views about politics and public issues.

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