The Politics of Social Change: A Public Policy Case Study

Have you ever wondered how a social cause goes from a grassroots movement to established law? Understanding the mechanics of public policy is key to deciphering how change happens in our society. This course provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the entire lifecycle of a policy movement. You will deconstruct the strategies, political maneuvering, and legal challenges involved, using the historic campaign for marriage equality as a detailed case study to learn principles that apply to any major social issue. What you'll learn: - Understand the core stages of the public policy process, from agenda-setting to implementation. - Analyze the tactics used by social movements to influence public opinion and lawmakers. - Deconstruct the legal, political, and social factors that shaped a landmark civil rights campaign. - Learn how local, state, and federal governments interact in shaping national policy. - Apply policy analysis frameworks to contemporary social and political issues. - Practice identifying key stakeholders and their influence in policy debates. The course begins with fundamental concepts in public policy and social advocacy before moving into a detailed examination of a landmark social movement. You'll progress from theory to practical analysis, learning to apply these models yourself. This course is designed for beginners with an interest in political science, sociology, or advocacy. No prior experience in policy analysis is required. Start learning how to analyze the forces that shape our laws and society.