Each student will select a unique public policy issue for the analysis and explain the policy issue using one of the theories of politics and public policy

(Political Systems, Rational Choice, Elite, Group, and Institutional.) The issues may be primarily foreign, federal, state or local, but should have a broad appeal. Possible topics include, but are not limited to criminal justice, health and welfare, education, economic policy, taxation, international trade and immigration, environmental protection, civil rights, federalism, national defense or other issues of social justice. Through the writing and research process, you will develop a critical understanding of individual and social behavior through the concepts, theories, and methods of the social sciences.

The paper itself should be written as though you were preparing it for a policy maker (or group of policy makers) with only superficial knowledge of the issue. Be sure your paper substantively addresses the following:

Theories of Politics and Public Policy

The Policy Process Model

Steps in the Policy Analysis Process

Types of Policy Analysis

Problem Analysis

Constructing Alternatives

Evaluative Criteria for Judging Policy Proposals

Ethical Questions

A Well-Researched Literature Review

Final papers must be 12-15 pages in length (not including title page, bibliography, and any supplementary material) and should follow the format below. (Include the following headings in the issue paper: Introduction, Background, Alternatives, and Recommendations.)

Support all information with academically qualified references including in text APA citations. The goal of the paper is to provide a practical exercise that integrates public policy theory with practical application. The paper should be typed, double-spaced,and 12-15 pages in length. Full citation is expected, with a minimum of six academic sources. Cite all references using the APA citation style.