Jun 04, 2026  
2019 - 2020 Academic Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog/Handbook Home
  Archived Catalogs
  Grinnell College Profile
  Mission and Core Values
  A Grinnell Education
  Education in the Liberal Arts
  Academic Policies
  Academic Calendar
  Expenses and Financial Aid
  Divisions of Grinnell College
  Academic Departments, Majors and Concentrations
  Course Search
  Course List by Subject
  Course Numbering and Special Topics
  Individual Study, Internships, and Practica
  Tutorials
  Off-Campus Study
  Directories
HELP
2019 - 2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Policy Studies Courses

Policy Studies

Courses

Policy Studies

  • Print Course (opens a new window)

    PST 220 - Foundations of Policy Analysis

    4 credits (Spring)
    Cross-listed as: ECN 220  or POL 220 . This course explores principles of policymaking, with applications. It opens by examining theoretical rationales for policy, including those premised on ideology or market failure. It proceeds to investigate institutional context and processes relevant to policymaking, using case studies. With this foundation, the course explores specific policy problems and solutions related to important problem areas, such as economic growth, health care, monetary policy, education, and environment. Students will be encouraged to investigate policy areas of interest for case studies and papers.

    Prerequisite: ECN 111  or POL 101 , and second-year standing.
    Instructor: Ferguson, Hess
  • Print Course (opens a new window)

    PST 320 - Applied Policy Analysis

    4 credits (Fall)
    Topic changes each year. This course will apply fundamental policy ideas from Policy Studies 220 to specific policy problems. Students will analyze policy problems and propose solutions. For current course content please see the variable topic course listing below or search the online live schedule of courses.

    Prerequisite: PST 220 , POL 220 , or ECN 220 . Other prerequisites may apply depending on staff teaching.
    Instructor: Staff
  • Print Course (opens a new window)

    PST 420 - Advanced Policy Research

    2 credits (Spring)
    In this course students will use the techniques of policy analysis they studied in PST 320  to conduct an independent research project. Normally these projects will be related to the student’s major or other curricular interest. During the first several course meetings students will identify and refine their policy area for in-depth study. This course will meet once per week during the spring semester, and will culminate with individual presentations of the policy research.

    Prerequisite: PST 320 .
    Instructor: Staff

Variable Topics - Fall

  • Print Course (opens a new window)

    PST 320-01 - Applied Policy Analysis

    4 credits (Fall)
    Cross-listed as: POL 320-01  or PSY 320-01 . Drugs and Addiction. This course will apply theories and methods of policy studies to current issues related to drug use and addiction. It will take an interdisciplinary and evidence-based approach to evaluating the relevant concerns and potential solutions. Each student will engage in a major case study and employ methods of policy studies to identify, weigh, and propose a policy to address negative consequences of drug use and addiction. This course will count toward the Psychology major, but will not contribute to the 300-level course requirement. It can count towards the seminar requirement for the Political Science major.

    Prerequisite: Third-year standing and ECN 220 , POL 220 , or PST 220 .
    Instructor: Hess, Tracy