691 Public Policy, Advocacy,& Social Change

This course is designed to focus on the analysis, formulation, and advocacy of public policy within the context of public administration, community organizing and the policy making process. It identifies methods for understanding the political process as a system and looks at evaluation techniques to address complex policy issues. It examines ways psychologists, behavioral healthcare delivery systems, advocacy groups, and community organizations can work with local, state, tribal, and federal government to address issues of social change. It provides an overview of governmental structure, process, and policies at all levels. The course presents effective methods of communication, advocacy, and lobbying to challenge policy, promote concerns and address needs. (3 credits)