0 or 3 credits
Fall 2026 Distance Learning Lecture
In this course, focused on historic and contemporary issues, research, and theories that shape public policy in higher education, students will critically examine the policy issues facing higher education today. The course will interrogate the ways politics and policy are leveraged to address issues of access and college success for all, dismantle systemic oppression, and improve upon higher education's ability to carry out its mission, vision, and purpose. Three main foci will be reviewed and applied throughout the course: The policymaking process: Students will gain a foundational knowledge of policy formation and implementation process at the federal, state, tribal/local levels; Methods of policy analysis: methods of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating policy/policy issues; Policy research: multiple theoretical lenses and research trends focused on continued improvement and development of higher education institutions, programs, and services. Permission of instructor required.
Learning Outcomes1Gain and deepen foundational knowledge of HE politics and policy, including the reciprocity (or lack thereof) between federal, state, tribal/local policy, policy formation and implementation, and contemporary issues shaping HE politics and policymaking today.
2Evaluate and apply public policy theoretical and conceptual frameworks as applied to their individual/institutional contexts.
3Investigate the ways cultural/social/political contexts affect creation and implementation of public policy.
4Explore how policy interacts with higher education's ability to deconstruct/level systemic oppression while creating opportunity for equity and access.
5Examine issues of power, privilege and oppression in public policy by asking: who has power, resources, influence; how "they" use the power, resources, and influence; and whose perspectives, identities, and interests are represented in current policies.
6Evaluate how policy effects the lived experiences of the higher education community - students, faculty, staff, administration and communities.
7Examine complex cultural, political, and social issues from different perspectives - specifically the ability to conduct research and analysis using public policy frameworks.
8Formulate and articulate rational arguments through discussions, peer review, and reflective and research writing.
9Apply theory to practice through policy analysis and a final research proposal.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.