ISCI-400 Social Science Research and Policy Seminar (1.5)

Public policies appear less informed by research than by popular opinion, ideology, interest groups, and emotion. To make policy more evidence based, researchers must understand how policy is formed, establish relationships with key actors in the policy making sphere, and learn how to communicate with these actors about urgent policy problems and feasible solutions. Students learn about the connection between social science research and public policymaking through guest speakers in the policy-making sphere, including those from think tanks, the legislative branch, the executive branch, non-government organizations, and academia. Students speak directly with these leaders and reflect on the role that they play in the public policy process. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Repeatable once for credit. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Social Science and Policy (Undergraduate Certificate).