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% CSU Fullerton | Public Administration | David P. Adams
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pdftitle={POSC 315: Introduction to Public Policy Syllabus},
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{\LARGE\textbf{POSC 315: Introduction to Public Policy}}\\[0.5em]
{\large California State University, Fullerton}\\
{\large Department of Political Science}\\[1em]
\includegraphics[width=0.2\textwidth, alt={CSUF logo}]{csuf_logo.png}
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\vspace{1em}
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\syllabusField{Instructor}{Dr. David P. Adams}
\syllabusField{Email}{\href{mailto:dpadams@fullerton.edu}{dpadams@fullerton.edu}}
\syllabusField{Office Hours}{MW 2–4 PM or by appointment}
\syllabusField{Term}{Fall 2025}
\syllabusField{Class Times}{Monday/Wednesday 5:30–6:45 PM}
\syllabusField{Location}{Zoom (link provided via Canvas)}
\section*{Course Description}
This course introduces the policy process, including agenda-setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. We examine the actors, institutions, and ideas that shape public policy at all levels of government.
\section*{Course Objectives}
\begin{itemize}[leftmargin=1.5em]
\item Analyze the stages of the policy process
\item Understand the roles of institutions and stakeholders
\item Evaluate competing policy frameworks
\item Communicate policy analysis clearly and concisely
\end{itemize}
\section*{Required Texts}
\begin{itemize}[leftmargin=1.5em]
\item Birkland, Thomas A. (2019). *An Introduction to the Policy Process*, 5th ed. Routledge.
\item Supplementary readings available on Canvas
\end{itemize}
\section*{Assessment}
\begin{tabular}{@{}llr@{}}
\toprule
Assignment & Description & Weight \\
\midrule
Weekly Quizzes & Based on readings & 20\% \\
Policy Brief & 5-page memo with citations & 30\% \\
Midterm Exam & Take-home essay & 20\% \\
Final Project & Group presentation & 30\% \\
\bottomrule
\end{tabular}
\section*{Grading Scale}
\begin{tabular}{@{}ll@{}}
\toprule
Letter Grade & Percentage Range \\
\midrule
A & 93--100\% \\
A-- & 90--92\% \\
B+ & 87--89\% \\
B & 83--86\% \\
B-- & 80--82\% \\
C+ & 77--79\% \\
C & 73--76\% \\
C-- & 70--72\% \\
D+ & 67--69\% \\
D & 63--66\% \\
D-- & 60--62\% \\
F & 59\% and below \\
\bottomrule
\end{tabular}
\section*{Accessibility Statement}
CSUF is committed to providing equal access. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Support Services office and notify me as early as possible.
\section*{Academic Integrity}
Academic honesty is expected. Plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action. Familiarize yourself with CSUF’s policy on academic dishonesty.
\section*{University Policies}
Please refer to the university’s syllabus policies website at
\url{https://fdc.fullerton.edu/teaching/student-info-syllabi.html} for important campus-wide policies on academic integrity, disability accommodations, emergency procedures, and student conduct.\\
These policies are in effect for all courses at CSU Fullerton.
\section*{Tentative Schedule}
\begin{itemize}[leftmargin=1.5em]
\item \textbf{Week 1:} What is Public Policy?
\item \textbf{Week 2:} Theories of the Policy Process
\item \textbf{Week 3:} Institutions and Governance
\item \textbf{Week 4:} Policy Design and Tools
\item \textbf{...}
\item \textbf{Finals Week:} Group Project Presentations
\end{itemize}
\section*{Support Services}
Free resources are available to help you succeed:
\begin{itemize}[leftmargin=1.5em]
\item Writing Center
\item Academic Advising
\item Counseling and Psychological Services
\end{itemize}
\vfill
\noindent\textit{Last updated: \today. This syllabus may be adapted as needed to support student learning and institutional requirements.}
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