Linking Theory and Policy: Writing Theoretically Informed Policy Briefs

Abstract

Undergraduate students often struggle to relate to social theory, which they see as abstract and outdated. Hoping to bring social theory to the present, this in-class activity and follow-up assignment challenge students to develop theoretically informed policy recommendations that address current social problems. To familiarize students with the policy...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Marxist Sociology, Policy Analysis, Public Policy, Theory

Resource Type(s):

Assignment, Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 200, College 300

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

Usage notes:

Sociology students may not be familiar with the format of the policy brief. I, therefore, recommend a small group exercise in thinking about and writing policy brief. The class activity requires 50-60 minutes. After practicing in class, I administer the take-home assignment after reviewing each theoretician. I recommend using...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will interpret current social problems using relevant theoretical tools.
   Students will develop theoretically-informed policy recommendations
   Students will contrast and compare different theoretical perspectives
   

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students use the appropriate concepts to describe and interpret a current social problem
   Students identify theoretically appropriate policy goals and develop theoretically-informed policy recommendations to achieve them.
   In a reflection note, students will critically evaluate the usefulness of different theoretical perspectives for policy design....