Course Description: Spring 2026 Policy Communications with Peter Clark
This course will prepare students to write and speak effectively in a modern policy workplace. Class assignments mirror scenarios students will encounter during their policy career. The first two-thirds of the semester will focus more on writing. The last one-third will focus more on public speaking and other verbal communications.
Throughout the semester, we will cover messaging and communications concepts — such as concision, framing, message sequencing, refuting myths, and storytelling — that are relevant to multiple modes of communication and audiences. The class will also explore communication in specific scenarios, such as media interviews and legislative testimony. The primary type of audience we will focus on is policymakers and stakeholders actively engaged in policy development and debate, although we will also address communication with the public and within the workplace.
Throughout the semester, students will regularly engage in:
writing and revising brief policy materials
peer editing, and
active participation during class in role playing, written assignments, discussions, exercises with time limits to simulate real world scenarios, and other activities.