International Public Policy - 4 credits

Most of the public policy questions that arise within a nation-state also arise in the international arena as well. Policies regarding education, transportation, healthcare, and income cross national boundaries, affect entire regions, and determine the availability of social services in different parts of the world. Income distribution patterns across nations, and access to health care, education, and housing vary significantly between richer nations and poorer underdeveloped nations. How are these differences created and addressed? How are power, values, institutions, and organizations related in their influence on global public policy? What aspects of globalization affect the distribution of resources and opportunities between regions, countries, and subgroups within countries? What roles are played by governments, transnational structures, and non-governmental organizations in addressing international public policy issues? Students will select a particular issue or set of issues for international analysis.