Public Affairs: P A

Lower-Division Courses

P A 301. Foundations of Public Affairs.

Explore key concepts and debates in the study of public policy. Review foundational historical texts, influential theoretical writings, and important case studies. Discover a range of policy issues, both domestic and international. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

P A 305. Analysis of Policy Adoption and Implementation.

Examine how US policymakers and staff in local, state, and federal government formulate and manage public policy, including the processes for creating and adopting public policy and the processes for implementing and governing public policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

P A 311L. Qualitative Methods for Public Affairs.

Survey a variety of qualitative empirical methods, drawn from the fields of history, anthropology, political science, and sociology, that are essential for making and evaluating public policies and programs. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

P A 311N. Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs.

Survey a variety of quantitative empirical methods, drawn from the fields of data science and management science, that are essential for making and evaluating public policies and programs. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Statistics and Data Sciences 320E with a grade of at least C-.

P A 315. Economic Analysis for Public Affairs.

Use the tools of microeconomics to analyze the public policymaking role of governments. Examine rationales for policy interventions including addressing market failures, distributional goals, generating revenue, among other objectives. Explore specific policy interventions and topics relevant to contemporary public policy debates such as taxation, health, social welfare, energy and the environment, and income inequality. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in Economics 304K.

P A 119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S. Topics in Public Affairs.

This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

Upper-Division Courses

P A 320. Communication for Public Affairs.

Restricted to Public Affairs majors. Develop strategies to engage with policy audiences outside of academic circles by practicing clear concise communication. Evaluate and practice various genres of policy communication with an emphasis on learning by doing. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in Public Affairs 301.

P A 325. Topics in Policy.

Survey various topics in public affairs and policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

P A 129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S. Topics in Public Affairs.

This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

P A 136. Professional Development.

Restricted to Public Affairs majors. Practice entering the professional realm of policymaking through a series of workshops that focus on different aspects of professional development such as resume-writing, mock job interviews, drafting cover letters for jobs and internships, and professional networking. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in Public Affairs 320.

P A 137. Leadership Laboratory.

Restricted to Public Affairs majors. Discover the basic skills of effective public and nonprofit leadership that promote well-being and strengthen civil society. Determine the characteristics of good leaders, including personal and social responsibility, inclusivity, and ethics. Develop and refine a guiding personal philosophy of leadership for navigating real world applications to advance social and policy change. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in Public Affairs 320.

P A 345. Advanced Topics in Policy.

Examine various advanced topics in public affairs and policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in Public Affairs 301.

P A 355. Advanced Topics in Policy Analysis Skills and Methods.

Explore advanced qualitative or quantitative methods to better shape and evaluate public policies. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Public Affairs 311N or Public Affairs 311L with a grade of at least C-.

P A 359. Public Affairs Internship.

Participate in fieldwork at an organization focused on public affairs. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit. Offered on the pass/fail basis only.

P A 159R. Public Policy Issues.

Current issues in public policy. The equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester, with additional hours to be arranged. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the pass/fail basis only.

Topic 1: UT Energy Symposium. Only one of the following may be counted: Public Affairs 158S (Topic: UT Energy Symposium), 159R (Topic: UT Energy Symposium), 159R (Topic 1), 159S (Topic: UT Energy Symposium). Offered on the pass/fail basis only. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

P A 365W. Topics in Policymaking in Washington, DC.

Explore various topics about the practice of policymaking by United States federal institutions, international organizations, and non-state actors in Washington, DC. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

P A 168. Policy Simulation.

Restricted to Public Affairs majors. Apply principles of policy analysis and development, as well as skills in policy communication and leadership, to tackle a contemporary policy problem. Hours to be arranged. Offered on the pass/fail basis only. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in Public Affairs 301, Public Affairs 305, Public Affairs 315, Public Affairs 320, Public Affairs 335N, Public Affairs 335L, and Public Affairs 137.

P A 370. Independent Study in Public Affairs.

Undertake supervised individual research on a special topic in the field of public affairs. Hour(s) to be arranged. May be repeated for credit. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

Graduate Courses

P A 280L, 380L. Topics in Public Policy and Law.

Various aspects of policy making, policy development, and communications at a variety of levels. For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Topic 1: Policy Development and Law. Examines effective policy making at all levels of government, including consideration of the legal process which provides critical context; the policy development process and its relationship to the rule of law; and key elements of public policy development, including ethics, decision making, leadership, and policy implementation.
Topic 2: Policy and Law Placement. Thorough examination of ethical issues and professional responsibilities and development of written and oral communication skills that are preparatory for field placement in policy and law.
Topic 3: Law and Public Policy. Examines the interconnection of public policy and law and how the two disciplines approach related issues; how legal structures and precedent shape and constrain policy choices; and how public policy informs the work of the courts.

P A 680P. Policy Research Project.

Interdisciplinary research on a contemporary policy problem involving interaction with sponsoring organizations. Three lecture hours a week for two semesters, or as required by the topic. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: For 680PA, graduate standing and consent of instructor; for 680PB, Public Affairs 680PA.

P A 680W. Apprenticeship in Public Policy.

Students work full-time for one whole-term summer semester and the following fall semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: For 680WA, graduate standing and consent of instructor; for 680WB, Public Affairs 680WA.

P A 181W, 281W, 381W, 481W. Foundations of Policymaking.

For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of graduate adviser.

P A 882D. Policy Research Project.

Interdisciplinary research on a contemporary policy problem involving interaction with an agency of government. Four lecture hours a week for two semesters. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: For 882DA, graduate standing and consent of instructor; for 882DB, Public Affairs 882DA.

P A 682G. Policy Research Project on Global Policy Issues.

Interdisciplinary research on a contemporary global policy problem involving interaction with sponsoring organizations. Three lecture hours a week for two semesters, or as required by the topic. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: For 682GA, graduate standing and consent of instructor; for 682GB, Public Affairs 682GA.

P A 382W. Policy Analysis Seminar.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of graduate adviser.

P A 383C. Policy Development.

Introduction to how public policy is developed and adopted in government systems. Covers the role of politics and institutions in implementing and managing policy. Normally taken during the first year. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 383D. Politics and Process.

Introduction to how public policy develops and is adopted in the American government system. Taught with a videoconference component. Normally taken during the first year. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 383G. Policymaking in a Global Age.

History, politics, and organization of how the United States makes and implements foreign policy decisions. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 384D. Public Management.

Covers the development and implementation of policy within an organization environment, including the role of political and institutional factors, organization and management concepts, and human information resource issues. Normally taken during the first year. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May have a distance learning component. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 385C. Topics In Public Management.

Develop and implement policy within an organizational environment in the public and nonprofit sectors including the role of political and institutional actors, organization and management concepts, and human resource information issues. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

P A 385D. Advanced Topics in Public Management.

Explore various advanced public management topics related to the development and implementation of policy within an organizational environment in the public and nonprofit sectors including the role of political and institutional actors, organization and management concepts, and human resource information issues. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 387G. The Nature of the International System.

Introduces systematic analysis of global policy, factors that motivate foreign policies and private decisions, and instruments used in the conduct of international relations. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 187K, 287K, 387K, 487K. Advanced Topics in Public Policy.

Issues in political values and ethics and in natural resources, transportation, health, environmental, international, regulatory, urban, and labor and human resources policy. For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. Public Affairs 387K and 388K may not both be counted unless the topics vary. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 387W. Writing For Global Policy.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 388D. Advanced Topics in Public Policy.

Typical topics include issues in political values and ethics and issues in transportation, health, environmental, international, regulatory, urban, and labor and human resources policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Some topics may be taught via Web-based instruction with no class meetings. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Topic 1: Perspectives on Public Policy. Covers the art and science of policy formulation in the areas of economics, national security, monetary policy, science, technology, and trade. Examines the relationships among policy development processes at the federal, state, and local levels of government.
Topic 2: Politics and Policies in an Aging Population.
Topic 3: Texas Health Policy.

P A 188F, 288F, 388F. Policy and Practice.

For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of graduate adviser, graduate standing.

P A 188G. Topics in Global Policy Studies.

Three lecture hours a week for five weeks, or as required by the topic. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 388J. Writing for Policy.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Public Affairs 388J and 388K (Topic: Writing for Policy) may not both be counted. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Consent of graduate adviser, graduate standing.

P A 188K, 288K, 388K, 488K. Advanced Topics in Public Policy.

Typical topics include issues in political values and ethics and in natural resources, transportation, health, environmental, international, regulatory, urban, and labor and human resources policy. For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. Public Affairs 387K and 388K may not both be counted unless the topics vary. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Topic 7: International Development. Public Affairs 188K, 288K, 388K, 488K (Topic 7) and 388K (Topic: International Development) may not both be counted.
Topic 8: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Public Affairs 188K, 288K, 388K, 488K (Topic 8) and 388K (Topic: Intro Geographic Info Systems) may not both be counted.
Topic 9: Nongovernmental Organizations in Developing Worlds. Public Affairs 188K, 288K, 388K, 488K (Topic 9) and 388K (Topic: Nongov Orgs in Devel Worlds) may not both be counted.
Topic 10: Nonprofit Management and Strategy. Public Affairs 188K, 288K, 388K, 488K (Topic 10) and 388L (Topic: Nonprofit Mgmt and Strategy) may not both be counted.
Topic 11: Qualitative Methods for the Social Sciences. Public Affairs 188K, 288K, 388K, 488K (Topic 11) and 397C (Topic: Qualitative Meths for Socl Sci) may not both be counted.

P A 188L, 288L, 388L. Advanced Topics in Management.

For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 388N. Invisible Global Market.

Same as Advertising 391L and Latin American Studies 383. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Advertising 391L, Latin American Studies 383, Marketing 382 (Topic: Invisible Global Market), 382 (Topic: Invisible Global Marketing), 282, 382 (Topic 34), Middle Eastern Studies 382M, Public Affairs 388N. Offered on the letter-grade basis only.

P A 188S. Advanced Topics in Public Policy.

Three lecture hours a week for five weeks, or as required by the topic. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 188W. Advanced Topics In Public Policy.

The equivalent of one lecture hour a week. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 389. Conference Course in Policy Analysis.

Individual instruction related to selected aspects of professional theory and practice. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor and the graduate adviser.

P A 189C, 289C. Independent Study in Public Policy.

Individual instruction related to selected aspects of professional theory and practice. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, consent of instructor and the graduate adviser.

P A 389D. Communications.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 189W. Policy Portfolio Internship.

Restricted to students in the Public Affairs DC and Global Policy Studies DC programs. Integrative portfolio course organized around a project incorporating previous studies, academic research and practical application of work in a professional internship. The equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester, with additional hours to be arranged. May be taken three times for credit. May be repeated for credit. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

P A 390C. Advanced Research Methods.

Study of research methods, with a focus on those needed by doctoral students in public policy. Includes discussions of broad controversies in social science methodology and subjects not commonly covered in other first-year graduate courses. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 390D, 690D, 990D. Dissertation Proposal Preparation.

Development and preparation of the dissertation proposal. Individual instruction. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, completion of all coursework, and consent of instructor.

P A 390E. Research Design.

Designed to provide a structured framework in which students can develop and apply methods training and produce a research paper. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 190G. Writing for Global Policy Studies.

Instruction in the writing styles appropriate for professional careers in international settings. Three lecture hours a week for five weeks, or as required by the topic. May be repeated for credit, but only three semester hours may be counted toward the Master of Global Policy Studies degree. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 391. Public Financial Management.

The budget process, budgetary methods, governmental accounting analysis of financial statements, government revenues, debt management, and other financial management techniques for public and nonprofit programs. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 391G. Advanced Topics In Public Financial Management.

Explore various advanced public financial management topics that may include budgetary methods, government accounting analysis of financial statements, government revenues, debt management, and other financial management techniques for public and nonprofit programs. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Public Affairs 391, and consent of the graduate advisor.

P A 392C. Theory and Philosophy of Public Policy I.

Explores the theoretical foundations of public policy. Includes political philosophy concepts and various theoretical approaches to the policy-making process. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 392D. Theory and Philosophy of Public Policy II.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Public Affairs 392C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 393C. Foundations of Public Policy.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 393G. Microeconomics.

Principles of markets and market failures relevant to global policy studies. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 393H. International Economics.

Comparative advantage, international trade, international trade institutions, and agreements. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Public Affairs 393G or 393K.

P A 393J. International Economics.

Comparative advantage, international trade, international trade institutions, and agreements. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Public Affairs 393G or 393K.

P A 393K. Applied Microeconomics for Policy Analysis.

The use of economic reasoning in the development and implementation of public policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 393L. Advanced Policy Economics.

Advanced topics in the application of economic reasoning to the development and implementation of policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Public Affairs 393K.

P A 394C. Research Design and Methods I.

Introduction to research and design methods in public affairs/policy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 095. Public Affairs Colloquium.

Guest lectures on topics to be announced. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor and the graduate adviser.

P A 195C. Supervised Policy Research.

Supervised, individual policy research experience on a topic chosen by the supervising faculty member. Conference course. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in public affairs and approval of the research proposal by the supervising faculty member and the graduate adviser.

P A 395D. Research Design and Methods II.

Continuing study of research and design methods for students at the doctoral level. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Public Affairs 395D and 387K (Topic 2) may not both be counted. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Public Affairs 394C.

P A 195G. Global Policy Simulation.

Supervised role-playing exercises on global policy. The equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester; additional hours may be required. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 195W. Policy Simulation.

Restricted to students in the Public Affairs DC and Global Policy Studies DC programs. Supervised role-playing exercises on public policy. The equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester; additional hours may be required. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 196C. Supervised Public Service.

Supervised, individual practical public service experience in an area chosen by the supervising faculty member. Conference course. May not be counted toward the Master of Public Affairs degree. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in public affairs and approval of proposal by the supervising faculty member and the graduate adviser.

P A 396G. Internship in Global Policy Studies.

Supervised participation in and observation of international issues as a working member of the staff in an agency of government, a nonprofit organization, or a public policy-related unit in the private sector. At least 400 hours of work over one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, completion of one year in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and consent of the associate dean.

P A 396K. Internship in Public Policy.

Supervised participation and observation as a working member of the staff in an agency of government, a nonprofit organization, or a public policy-related unit in the private sector. Students work full time for one semester. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Completion of one year in the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and consent of the associate dean.

P A 397. Introduction to Empirical Methods for Policy Analysis.

Survey of the application of a broad range of quantitative models to policy analysis and managerial decision-making: optimization techniques based on calculus and linear programming, probability theory and decision analysis, sampling theory and hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and forecasting. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and either one semester each of college algebra, calculus, and statistics or a passing score on the validation exam offered before the beginning of the semester.

P A 397C. Advanced Empirical Methods for Policy Analysis.

Research methods, specialized empirical techniques, and data analysis as used in policy analysis and management. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Some topics may be taught via Web-based instruction with no class meetings. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and Public Affairs 397.

P A 397D. Applied Quantitative Analysis I.

Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Survey of the application of a broad range of quantitative models to policy analysis and managerial decision-making: optimization techniques based on calculus and linear programming, probability and theory and decision analysis, sampling theory and hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and forecasting. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and either one semester each of college algebra, calculus, and statistics or a passing score on the validation exam offered before the beginning of the semester.

P A 397G. Analytical Methods for Global Policy Studies.

Descriptive statistics, inference, multivariate regression, qualitative methods, and case study methods applicable to global policy research. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and an undergraduate statistics course or a passing score on the validation exam.

P A 098J. Joint Programs with Partner Institutions.

Certification course for students enrolled in Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs interdisciplinary joint degree programs. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

P A 398R. Master's Report.

Preparation of a report to fulfill the requirement for the master's degree under the report option. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in public affairs and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 198T, 398T. Supervised Teaching in Public Affairs.

Group meetings with the instructor, individual consultations, and reports. Mandatory for students seeking teaching assistant positions. For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

P A 399W, 699W, 999W. Dissertation.

May be repeated for credit. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Professional Courses