US Social Policy: Analyzing the First 100 Days

Are you curious about how a new US President and Congress begin to tackle society's most pressing issues? This course provides a foundational understanding of the social policy landscape and the critical initial period of a new administration. By completing this course, you will be equipped to analyze and understand complex social policy debates, recognize the roles of key actors, and evaluate the potential impacts of early policy decisions. You will gain the ability to critically assess proposals and public discourse surrounding major societal challenges. What you'll learn: * Understand foundational concepts and historical contexts of US social policy. * Analyze the distinct roles of the Presidency and Congress in shaping policy. * Identify and categorize key contemporary social issues facing the nation. * Evaluate various policy approaches and their potential societal impacts. * Learn to critically assess policy proposals and public discourse using evidence-based reasoning. * Explore the influence of data, research, and stakeholder engagement in modern policymaking. * Practice articulating well-reasoned perspectives on current social policy challenges. The course begins with an introduction to the core principles and terminology of social policy, progressing through an examination of specific issue areas and the political processes involved in addressing them during the critical first 100 days of an administration. You will read explanations and engage with practical exercises to solidify your understanding. This course is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of political science or public policy, offering a clear path to understanding critical societal challenges. Begin your journey into the world of US social policy today.