What This Document Is
This is a detailed course schedule for UPA 306: Urban Policy Analysis Methods, offered at the University of Illinois at Chicago during the Spring 2010 semester. It outlines the organizational structure of the course, including meeting times, instructor contact information, and a preliminary plan for the semester’s topics. It serves as a foundational guide for students enrolled in, or considering enrollment in, this upper-level urban planning and policy course.
Why This Document Matters
This schedule is essential for anyone taking UPA 306. It allows prospective students to understand the course’s pacing and scope before committing to enrollment. For enrolled students, it’s a critical reference point for managing coursework, understanding assignment due dates, and preparing for class sessions. It’s particularly useful during the initial weeks of the semester to establish a clear understanding of expectations and the flow of the course.
Topics Covered
* Foundational concepts of public policy analysis
* Approaches and techniques used in policy analysis
* The relationship between policy areas, theoretical roots, and research design
* Applications of policy analysis to diverse urban challenges
* Theoretical underpinnings of common analytical techniques
* Critical evaluation of assumptions in policy analysis
* The role of politics and institutions in policy development
What This Document Provides
* Instructor and Teaching Assistant contact information and office hours
* A breakdown of course requirements and their associated weightings toward the final grade
* A list of required textbooks and resources for the course
* A preliminary schedule of topics to be covered throughout the semester
* Information regarding assignments, including critiques and a group project
* Policies regarding late submissions and required accommodations
* Details on the use of course materials and supplemental readings.