Advanced Issues in Criminal Justice Policy Seminar - Harris
Prof. D. Harris – Office: Rm. 511; email daharris@pitt.edu; ph. 412 648-9530.
Office Hours: Mon., 4--5:00p.m.; Tues., 10:00—11:00 a.m.
Required Texts and Readings:
Eugene Bardach, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to Effective Problem Solving (CQ Press, 4th ed.)
Other readings: On TWEN or library reserve. These readings are mandatory unless otherwise noted.
The readings for our first two classes are listed below; both weeks are given here because the assignment for the second overlaps the first and is longer, so that students may want to get to it earlier.
Class 1 – Jan. 7:
Introduction to the course; introduction to law and public policy
Eugene Bardach, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to Effective Problem Solving (CQ Press, 4th ed.) -- Preface, Introduction, and pp. 1-31.
Required: Sample student policy paper: Alexandra Mace, “Policy Options for Reducing and Preventing Pregnancy Among African-American Teenagers in New York State” (2010) (TWEN)
Class 2 – Jan. 14:
Crafting Public Policy; Public Policy Papers
Bardach, A Practical Guide… (4th ed.) (pp. 1-165)
Required: Sample student policy paper: Ann Marie Toccket, “New Policy Options: Reducing Cigarette Consumption in the United States” (2009) (TWEN)
Guest: Dr. Ralph Bangs, Associate Director of the Center for Race and Social Problems, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
Students will discuss the major aspects, as well as the fine points, of crafting public policy to solve problems. Have a strong understanding of the Bardach book, and be prepared to apply its principles to a new problem or issue that Dr. Bangs may present.
