PA 523 Policy, Privacy, and Personal Identity in the Postgenomics Era

Social genomics integrates theories and methods in the genomic, social, and population health sciences to answer questions relevant to public health and social well-being. Research topics in social genomics and their implications for social and public policy are covered in this course. Key concepts in human genetics, population genetics, and statistical genetics are introduced, as well as historical and contemporary policy debates surrounding scientific advances in genomics. Fundamental questions include social repercussions of genomics research, the rationale for government intervention, and how to approach policy analysis in an era where the genomic revolution is changing how we think about privacy and personal identity.

PA 765 Issues in Educational Policy Analysis

This graduate-level seminar is an introduction to educational policy analysis. The course explores theoretical and conceptual approaches to policy analysis, key policy processes, and common reform or policy models. We investigate all of these with attention to current issues, policies, and their implementation and outcomes in American education for kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition, we will turn a critical eye to the act of policy analysis itself, considering what it means to be a policy analyst and what kind of policy analysis students might engage in as part of their practice.

PA 800 Professional Development Workshop

La Follette students are required to take the one-credit PA 800 Professional Development Workshop in their first fall semester. The Associate Director teaches the course, which focuses on essential skills students must have to be successful in graduate school and in their careers, such as policy memo writing, data visualization, job search and networking strategies, resume and cover letter development, interviewing, and policy memo writing.

PA 810 Energy Analysis Seminar

Interdisciplinary capstone for the Energy Analysis and Policy curriculum. Application of energy knowledge to an analysis project for a real-world client. Integrate and apply technical, economic, political, and social factors in energy decision-making.