Synopses & Reviews
THE ART OF THE GAME defines the dynamics of public policy, elucidates the complexity intrinsic to each stage of the policy process, and delves into the implications of public policy for American politics and society. Illustrating concepts and theories relevant to the policy process, the text incorporates contemporary examples with a variety of creative exercises that develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the subject matter. Underscoring this approach is a desire to combine both academic and applied perspectives. This approach helps readers to comprehend the significance of each stage and the dynamics of the policy process. In other words, rather than offering mere description or a standard explanation of the subject matter, THE ART OF THE GAME merges solid coverage of theoretical principles with an applied policy approach.
About the Author
Stella Z. Theodoulou is currently Interim Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at California State University as well as a Professor of Political Science. She received her Ph.D. from Tulane University in 1984 and is the author or coauthor of several publications in the areas of public policy and political science. Amongst her texts are PUBLIC POLICY: THE ESSENTIAL READINGS; AIDS: THE POLITICS AND POLICY OF DISEASE and METHODS FOR POLITICAL INQUIRY. Her most recent book is POLICY AND POLITICS IN SIX NATIONS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON POLICY MAKING (Prentice Hall, 2002). Chris Kofinis works in Washington, D.C. as a Political Consultant and Legislative Strategist. He has lectured in Political Science at California State University, Northridge. He received his Ph.D. in Public Policy and International Affairs from Claremont Graduate University in 2000.
Table of Contents
Part I: THE FOUNDATION OF PUBLIC POLICY. 1. The Language of Public Policy: Critical Concepts. 2. The What: Policy Typologies, Policy Tools, and the Policymaking Process. 3. The Where: Institutional Structure, Legislative Centers, and Policy Arenas. 4. The Who: The Policymaking Actors. Part II: UNDERSTANDING HOW POLICY IS MADE. 5. The Policy Process: Diverse Models and Theories. 6. Problem Identification: Recognition of Problems and Issues. 7. Agenda Setting: A Theoretical Understanding. 8. Policy Design and Formulation. 9. Policy Adoption: Decisions and Strategies. 10. Policy Implementation: Execution of Policy Solutions. 11. Policy Evaluation: The Assessment of Executed Policy Solutions. 12. Policy Change or Termination. Part III: POLICY ARENAS: EXPLORING THE POLICY PROCESS. 13. Environmental Policy: The Defining and Identification of a Problem. 14. Education Policy: Setting and Building an Agenda. 15. Health Care Policy: Designing Policy Alternatives. 16. Welfare Policy: Formulation and Legitimation of Policy Solutions. 17. Immigration Policy: Implementing and Evaluating Policy Solutions. 18. Defense Policy: Change or Terminating Policies. Part IV: THE ART OF THE GAME. 19. Understanding Choices and Decisions.