This course examines the major policy issues confronting contemporary society through the lens of the political scientist. In this course we will explore the central actors, institutions, processes and issues associated with the formation of public policy and then examine specific policy areas such as health care, the environment, anti-poverty initiatives, immigration and education. Public policies at the local, intermediate/state, national, and international level affect our everyday lives in profound ways, and this course provides an opportunity for students to understand and analyze those effects.