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Can history really help us avoid the mistakes the past? This course offers a practical framework for how to integrate history into policymaking—and the perils, pitfalls and opportunities of doing so. From Congress to The White House, federal agencies to European Union member states, this course uses a series of modules, case studies and group exercises to understand how history has been, and can be, applied in meaningful ways to pressing policy questions; how to do so ethically and responsibly; and how to avoid pitfalls and shortcomings such as oversimplification, partisanship and misinformation and disinformation. Over the duration of the class, students will explore policymaking through a historical lens, engage in group reading and discussion exercises, and hear from an array of expert practitioners on how to formulate better national, regional and local policy agendas by utilizing historical thinking, historical sources, and historical research skills.
PAI 700 /PSC 759| Challenges in Crisis and Disaster Management | Instructors TBD
Monday and Thursday evenings 6:00pm – 8:45pm
Crises and disasters are unwelcome but also unavoidable features of modern society. They can emerge within any domain, may be of human or of natural origin, and can last anywhere from hours, to days, to months and beyond. While sometimes the crisis itself is the undoing of an organization or society, it is the way that we respond to crises that often makes the difference between catastrophe and resilience. This course will examine the dynamics and processes that occur as policymakers, public administrators, first responders, and citizens work to cope with crisis and disaster situations. We will identify the reasons why crises and disasters are so difficult to deal with as well as identify skills and practices that have proven to be effective in forecasting, preparing for, managing, communicating about, and learning from crises. A wide range of crises will be examined across the course including: humanitarian emergencies, terrorism, natural disasters, industrial accidents, financial crises, and foreign policy dilemmas. The workshop is dynamic, offering a combination of seminars, group exercises, and site visits. The course will be led by specialists and practitioners in the field.
PAI 700 | Washington Practicum | Mark Jacobson
Students can earn up to three credits working as an intern for an agency or organization that focuses on public and international affairs.
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