Using Public Policy for Social Change

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/using-public-policy-for-social-change

Introduction

### Course Review: Using Public Policy for Social Change on Coursera In a world increasingly driven by the need for equity and social justice, “Using Public Policy for Social Change” offers a timely and essential exploration into how public policy can effectively address societal challenges, particularly those rooted in social inequalities. This course, available on Coursera, is a comprehensive primer on public policy, emphasizing its importance across various domains, such as social welfare, public health, the environment, education, and criminal justice. #### Overview of the Course The course is structured into four weeks, each focusing on critical aspects of the public policy process: 1. **Week 1: What is Public Policy and What is it Good For?** This introductory week sets the stage by defining public policy and its relevance to society. Learners will be introduced to key concepts and the overarching framework of the policy-making process in democracies. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the complexities that lie ahead. 2. **Week 2: Issue Framing and Agenda Setting** The second week dives into the nuances of issue framing and agenda setting. Students will learn how to research and advocate for social problems, particularly through an equity lens. This module emphasizes the importance of advocacy strategies in shaping policy discussions and outcomes. 3. **Week 3: Public Policy Design—What Should We Do?** In week three, the focus shifts to the practicalities of policy design. This component includes critical analysis of policy ideas, decision-making, and the implications of equity and economic efficiency. This part of the course is vital for future policymakers, providing them with tools for thoughtful policy design that considers ethical tensions and practical impacts. 4. **Week 4: Policy Implementation and Evaluation – Did it Work?** The final week explores the implementation and evaluation of public policy. Understanding how to assess whether policies achieve their intended goals is paramount to effective governance. This module offers insights into various evaluation techniques, helping students grasp the importance of accountability and continuous improvement in public sector work. #### Course Delivery and Features The course is designed to be engaging, with a combination of video lectures, readings, and interactive assignments. Each week presents new content, building upon the knowledge of the previous one, to create a cohesive learning experience. The format allows for flexible learning, catering to a diverse audience that may range from students new to public policy to professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the field. The course also encourages the application of concepts learned through case studies and real-life examples, allowing learners to contextualize theory into practical scenarios. This approach not only solidifies understanding but also inspires students to think critically about their role in policy advocacy and design. #### Who Should Take This Course? “Using Public Policy for Social Change” is highly recommended for anyone interested in the intersection of policy and social justice. It is particularly valuable for: - **Students and Aspiring Professionals:** Those seeking careers in public policy, social work, or related fields will find the course beneficial for foundational knowledge and skills. - **Advocates and Activists:** Individuals already working within communities or organizations focused on social change will gain strategic insights into how to effectively advocate for policy reforms. - **Policy Analysts and Government Officials:** Professionals in governmental roles or think tanks will refresh their understanding of policy design and evaluation, and may also find new frameworks to apply in their work. #### Final Thoughts This course excels in its clarity, relevance, and thoroughness, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the powerful role of public policy in fostering social change. It not only equips learners with the theoretical background but also practical tools for engagement, advocacy, and evaluation. As society continues to confront urgent social issues, courses like “Using Public Policy for Social Change” are critical in shaping informed and proactive changemakers. I highly recommend enrolling in this course to expand your knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the public discourse on social equity and justice.

Syllabus

Week 1: What is Public Policy and What is it Good For?

Welcome to the Using Public Policy for Social Change course and the first-week module! This module provides an overview of the course and introduces learners to public policy as a field of professional practice. This includes an introduction to key concepts and terms and to a framework for understanding the policy-making process in democracies. Let's get started!

Welcome to Week 2! This module focuses on the first two steps in the policy-making cycle: “issue framing and “agenda setting.” This includes attention to how social problems can be researched, framed, and advocated for using an equity lens. This week will also include instruction in the basic elements of designing and implementing an advocacy strategy regarding a policy issue. Let's get started!

Welcome to Week 3! You passed the midpoint of this course. Great job! This module focuses on steps three and four in the policy-making process of policy design, which includes policy design and policy decision-making. We cover the basics of the policy design and the important role of prospective policy analysis in the process. The module will also present a framework for analyzing and justifying a specific policy idea/design that includes consideration of its impact, economic efficiency, ethical tensions, and equity/fairness implications. Let's get started!

Welcome to Week 4, the last week of this course! This module covers steps five and six in the policy-making cycle: policy implementation and policy evaluation. The focus of this module is on the major techniques used to assess whether public programs and policies are achieving their intended objectives and goals. The module includes a discussion of different types of program evaluation for assessing implementation and impact/outcome goals and the research approaches commonly used for public sector evaluation, including many examples. This module also provides some guidance regarding how to find resources related to policy evaluation research and other aspect of public policy. The module concludes with an overview of the course, along with some guidance for how to find your own niche in the world of using public policy for social change. Let's get started!