Well-reasoned and thoughtful analysis of public issues is a necessary but not sufficient requirement for implementing "good" public policy. The ability to clearly and accurately relate complex policy ideas in a variety of written formats is as important as sound analysis in the professional public policy environment. The aim of this course is to hone students' professional public policy writing skills and to familiarize them with the major written formats used throughout the policy-making process; from white-papers and background memos, to legislative histories and one-pagers for political decision-makers. This course is organized as a collaborative, seminar-style discussion of public policy writing techniques and methodology, with a substantial focus on strategic thinking in the writing process. This class has a weekly memo-writing component.
