COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will prepare you to write and speak effectively in a modern policy workplace. Class assignments mirror scenarios you will encounter during your policy career. Each week we will:
- Workshop writing and speaking to build our policy communication muscles • Role-play to simulate policy environments and practice communicating under pressure
- Give and receive robust feedback – both the students and instructors A key output of this class is a portfolio of polished writing samples. Former students have used these to help them land internships and jobs. Each of you will select one policy issue to focus on this semester. You will build policy expertise in an area of interest while improving your policy communication skills. Policy workplaces are highly collaborative, so in this class, we will work as a team and help one another through regular peer review and partner exercises.
The class is organized into three main units.
Unit 1: Policy Communication Foundations. Including:
- Clarity, concision, using evidence, drafting, organizing, and audience awareness.
- Editing techniques, citations, avoiding plagiarism, and effective peer review
Unit 2: Internal Communications. We’ll explore – and practice – different communication products that policy professionals use, including policy memos, talking points, slide decks, data visualizations, and presentations. Students will practice defining problems and communicating effectively with decision makers. Several assignments will simulate the time pressure often felt by policy professionals in the workplace. PA 389D – Policy Comms 2
Unit 3: Policy Advocacy. We’ll discuss how to champion policy ideas with external audiences beyond one's immediate organization. For your final assignment, we will hold a mock legislative hearing where each student testifies on a relevant policy issue.
LEARNING OUTCOMES A student completing this class will be able to:
1. Write and speak concisely and effectively in many different policy settings
2. Employ audience awareness and evidence to communicate about current policy issues
3. Craft a communications strategy to influence a public policy decision