This course aims to provide students with knowledge and skills to engage in powerful policy analysis that takes politics seriously. Throughout the semester, students will combine solid conceptual and analytical grounding with application in the form of policy case-studies and skill building activities. These elements are intended to provide a point of departure for students whose interests lie in domestic, international and/or comparative contexts. Additionally, the course will devote particular attention to the development of strong public policy research and writing skills, which we will use to make direct contributions to real-world policy making efforts.