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PSCI 100: U.S. Government and Politics (Professor Nash)

PSCI 100 Research Assignments

Public Policy Brief Symposium Assignment\

The project focuses on analyzing a U.S. public policy issue and creating a policy brief for a local representative. 

Students will collaborate in groups of 5-6, with each member assigned a specific role. Although this is a group project, each student will submit their own work and receive an individual grade. During the final exam period, groups will present their briefs in a public policy symposium, demonstrating their understanding of American government and applying course concepts in a professional setting. The brief and presentation must clearly define the issue, analyze key factors, and propose actionable recommendations.

Top 10 U.S. Public Policy Issues for 2025

Choose one of the following topics for your group project:

  1. Climate Change and Environmental Policy

  2. Healthcare Access and Affordability

  3. Education Reform and Student Loan Debt

  4. Immigration Policy and Border Security

  5. Gun Control and Public Safety

  6. Economic Inequality and Tax Reform

  7. Criminal Justice Reform

  8. Housing Affordability and Homelessness

  9. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

  10. Voting Rights and Election Integrity

Next, get specific with your focus. For example, if you choose “Gun Control and Public Safety,” you could explore: tackling illegal firearms with community-based solutions, closing background check loopholes, addressing mental health and gun safety, or promoting safe storage laws or awareness campaigns.

Project Components and Deadlines See each Canvas assignment for more detailed instructions. The project includes five components, each with specific deadlines by 11:59 pm:

  1. Topic Selection & Role Assignment (Due February 7) - Select a policy topic and assign roles for each group member (see roles below). Submit your group’s topic and role distribution to Canvas.

  2. Outline & Annotated Bibliography & Outline (Due March 7) - Submit an outline detailing how your section of the brief will be addressed, along with a bibliography that includes the annotations below. Each student must review and annotate five sources (published in the last 15 years, unless you are establishing “scholarly” or judicial precedent) related to their role:

    • (3) peer-reviewed journal articles and (2) academic sources of your choice (e.g., think tank reports, government publications), and 2. 800-1,000 words, with each annotation being about 150-200 words.

  3. Final Policy Brief ○ Roles 1, 2, & 3 only (Due March 28) ○ Roles 4 & 5 only (Due May 2)

  4.  Final Presentation (May 13) - Groups will present their briefs in class during the symposium.

  5. Peer Review (May 13) - Complete peer review of group member contribution.

Write your section of the final policy brief (500-800 words) based on your assigned role, incorporating 2 peer-reviewed journal articles and 1 academic source of your choice. Sources must be published in the last 15 years, unless you are establishing “scholarly” or judicial precedent. These sources may overlap with those from your annotated bibliography. Your contribution should address key aspects of the policy issue, present relevant research, and provide thoughtful analysis.

The final paper must be cohesive and well-organized.

  1. Scope of the Problem: Summarize the current scope of the policy issue, providing context to highlight its importance and complexity.

  2. Stakeholder Analysis: Identify and analyze key stakeholders (e.g., government, advocacy groups, businesses, media). Explain their interests, positions, and influence on the issue.

  3.  Current Policy Evaluation: Assess current federal and state policies, analyzing effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks. Focus on policy implementation, enforcement, and outcomes without offering new recommendations.

  4. Policy Recommendations: Develop actionable, research-backed recommendations. Discuss anticipated outcomes, such as public well-being improvements or economic impacts. Explain how recommendations could affect people’s lives and lead to societal benefits (e.g., cost savings, increased access).

    • Note on Using Sources: Use your sources to support your recommendations. Draw on sources to back up theories or best practices, and use the remaining sources to provide examples and data that demonstrate how your recommendations could be applied in real-life situations. 

  5. Lead Overview Writer:

    • Title: Choose a title that clearly conveys the brief’s content.

    • Introduction: Provide an overview of the policy issue’s background and history.

    • Conclusion: Summarize key findings and recommendations, connecting them to the broader societal impacts.

      • Note on Using Sources: In the introduction, use 1-2 sources to establish the background or identify research gaps. In the conclusion, use the remaining sources to summarize your findings and connect them to the broader context. Group Presentation Create 5–8 visually engaging slides summarizing the policy brief. Deliver a 10-minute presentation during the symposium, highlighting importance of topic, key findings and recommendations. Be ready to take questions and engage in discussion following your presentation.

Please consult Cougar Courses for complete assignment guidelines.