Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PLCY 200 D100

Introduction to Public Policy (3)

Class Number: 7285

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Government policies affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Covers basic methods for public policy to deepen student's understanding of what public policy is, why it is important, and the way in which public policy is made. Students examine competing perspectives for explaining the relationship between power, knowledge, advocacy, and policy making. POL 253 will be accepted in lieu of this course. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on providing an understanding of how public policy gets made. We begin the course
with understanding what public policy is and the three Is framework. This course is divided in two main
sections. In the first half of the course, we will learn various policy frameworks that explain to us how
public policy is made. These include the policy cycle, the Multiple Streams Framework, and the
Punctuated Equilibrium Theory. In the second half of the course, students will explore various policy
issues including climate change and housing. By the end of this course, students will be able to explain
how policy gets made, understand the various theoretical frameworks of public policy, and think critically
about these concepts in applied and real-world scenarios concerning global and Canadian public policy.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Graded work will consist of a mid-term exam, op-ed, and policy memo, as well as class participation. The
goal of these assignments is to consolidate learning and introduce you to the type of analysis that would
go into public policy decision making at different levels of government. The graded assignments
constitute 85% of your final mark. Please submit your assignments to me electronically via Canvas.

Grading

  • About you 2%
  • Mid-term Exam 25%
  • Op-Ed 25%
  • Briefing note 30%
  • Participation 18%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There are required readings to prepare for each class. Readings will include a combination of textbook,
academic papers, policy documents, and applications in popular media to give a range of perspectives on
the course material. There is no required textbook for this class. Rather, I seek to use readings that are open
access or accessible electronically through SFU Libraries.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.