Course Syllabus
Syllabus
Objectives of the Course
At the completion of the course students will:
--Possess a factual and practical understanding of the legislative process
--Obtain the tools to think critically and analytically about the legislative process and its procedures
--Have sharpened their communications skills
--Gained a heightened sense of civic responsibility
--Be encouraged to become thoughtful participants in the political world
--Have a detailed understanding of the difficulties in seeking legislative remedies to complex problems and how to overcome them.
Contact Information
Instructor: William Wachob
Email: wwachob@ucsd.edu
Office Hours: Office hours will be offered by scheduling a phone appointment or via ZOOM.
Student Conduct
The University Code of Academic Integrity is central to the ideals that under gird this course. Students are expected to be independently familiar with the Code and to recognize that their work in the course is to be their own original work that truthfully represents the time and effort applied. Violations of the Code are most serious and will be handled in a manner that fully represents the extent of the Code and that befits the seriousness of its violation. For additional information please review,
https://www.ucsd.edu/catalog/front/studcond.html
Class Schedule
Lecture: Mondays 6:00pm – 8:50pm
Location: All Classes will be held virtually through ZOOM.
Zoom meeting information: Zoom meeting information will be sent out prior to the start of the course. Please keep checking for updated information.
Written Assignments and Grading Policy
There will be three (3) written assignments based on the lectures and the selected readings. These will constitute 60% of your grade and be worth 80 points each. In addition, there will be a final exam that will be 30% of your grade and worth a total of 120 points. The rubric for the final will be handed out at a later date. The remaining 20%, worth a total of 40 points, will be based on your active participation in the weekly sessions and periodic class quizzes.
The APA Writing Format will be the accepted format for all written assignments. As previously stated and referenced in the Code of Academic Integrity, students are responsible for upholding the highest standards of honesty at all times. Submitting contrived, altered, or plagiarized information without specific or proper acknowledgement violates those standards and will not be tolerated.
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Readings (Partial List)
The Democracy Owner’s Manual, A Practical Guide to Changing the World,
By Jim Shultz
You Are The Message: Getting What you Want by Being Who You Are,
By Roger Ailes
Running for Office: The Strategies, Techniques and Messages Modern Political Candidates Need to Win Elections
By Ronald A. Faucheux
The Dance of Legislation
By Eric Redman
The selected books will be discussed throughout the course and it will be your responsibility to be up to date as the course progresses. Specific chapters will be assigned throughout the course and discussed in subsequent classes.
Additional readings on relevant articles or supplements will be posted. The course will also include guest speakers, who are experts in their field, to enhance our discussion.
Written Assignments
Assignment #1. One page persuasion memo to an elected official urging them to take a position, become a supporter, and/or author legislation to address the issue of your choosing. Due: October 26
Assignment #2. A two page memo based on your chosen topic in Assignment #1 that outlines a plan of attack to begin the initial phase of implementing an idea and working with a legislative sponsor to shepherd the idea through the elected body/legislature/Congress. Identify allies who could support the effort, anticipated opposition, and timeline for achieving your objective. Due: November 16
Assignment #3. A two page memo discussing the historical genesis of the Affordable Care Act debate. When did the debate start, who were the players, tactics and strategies employed to secure passage, and current status and future hurdles. Due: November 30.
Note: All written assignments are to be turned in prior to class on the designated date.
Class Participation and Attendance
Attendance and class participation is strongly recommended. Any material or announcements presented in the class will be your responsibility to obtain from other students. There will also be periodic quizzes based on the readings and lectures. During this course we will also have periodic guest speakers who will be relevant to the subject matter being discussed and there will be quizzes on the lectures and special guests content that will account for the 10% participation credit.
Class Meetings
Each class meeting will consist of a lecture or exercise followed by a discussion section in which a particular question related to the lecture will be explored through class discussion. Guest speakers will also be used to facilitate discussion and avail students of various professional opportunities in pursuing a career in public policy.
October 5
Course Overview
Syllabus Review, Schedule, Assignments, Grading
Lecture: How a Bill Becomes Law / Now Here’s the Rest of the Story
Topics: Fixing Problems and Meeting Needs
October 12
Lecture: How Policy Gets Made
Topics: Understanding and Applying Basic Public Policy Concepts and Factors Influencing Public Polcy
October 19
Lecture: Not All Policy is Created in a Legislative Body
Topics: Public Policy / Public Agencies
October 26
Lecture: Key Players and Roles / Who Can Participate
Topics: The Man on the Street
Organic Grassroots Organizing
Contributors, PACs, Super PACs, Organized Interest Groups
November 2
Lecture: Building Support / The Campaign Within and Outside the System
Topics: Leaderships Role
Committee Jurisdiction
Role of Staff
The Chief Executive and Cabinet Officials
November 9
Lecture: Modes of Persuasion / Their Role and Effect
Topics: Paid Media, Earned Media, Social Media and Fake News
Partisan Politics, Congressional Review Act, Electoral Outcomes
November 16
Lecture: Continuation of lecture: Modes of Persuasion
November 23
Lecture: Going Around the Politicians / The Power of Initiatives
Topics: Going Directly to the Voters
Writing, Funding, and Waging a Campaign Plan
November 30
Exercise: Basics of Lobbying Visit Day
We will stage a series of Lobbying Visits, where you will meet with a staff/elected official and attempt to influence them on a subject of your choosing and drawn on from students’ earlier assignments. The presenter will have a maximum of 5 minutes to make your case.
December 7
Lecture: Making a Difference / Applying Our Tools to Everyday Life
Topics: Real Life Stories of People Getting Involved
What Will You Do Next?
Guest:
December 12-19
FINALS
Course Summary:
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