Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
This course explores the role of policy, programs, and practices that empower students to evaluate, create, and execute critically oriented evidence-informed policy solutions in public and private sectors (e.g., government and non-government settings). For example, students will examine notable policy in the U.S. that was designed to address access and equity issues for marginalized populations. Further, students will identify and discuss key programs that have been designed as a response to policy solutions that increase equality, promote equity, and forge enduring social change.
Course Prerequisites
Graduate standing or permission of instructor.
Course Materials
- There are no required textbook(s) for this class, however additional reading sources may be recommended.
- Journal articles will be the main source of reading in the course and provided through canvas.
- Computer access with internet, video chat function, word-processing capabilities, and an updated web browser are needed
Grades
Breakdown
Assignments will be used to evaluate students' abilities in synthesizing and applying material from the lectures and the class readings. Successful work with cooperative groups is also required. The grading breakdown is as follows:
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Participation | Weekly Live Sessions | 10% |
| Group Presentation | Teams of 3 students will create a presentation that is an examination and development of policy and programs | 25% |
| Group Paper | Teams of 3 students will submit a written assignment that is an examination and development of policy and programs | 25% |
| Reflections | 3 reflections throughout the semester on your thoughts/perceptions on topics related to issues discussed in this course. | 25% |
| Peer Review | Two peer evaluations (on the presentation and paper) is required once groups submit their projects. | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Participation
Each week, we will meet for Live Sessions online. Attendance/participation in the Live Session is highly encouraged and will be graded. There are two ways in which you can earn points for the Live Session:
- Participate Live: This option should be your preferred choice. When possible, you should attend and participate in the Live Sessions in real-time. To get credit for your attendance, type in the date and time of the session you attended by clicking on the red "Start Assignment" button at the top the Live Session page. Your self-reported attendance log will be cross-checked against the attendance tracker in Zoom.
- Make-Up (Watch Recording-Submit Written Summary): In the event that your time zone, work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, you will need to review the recording of the Live Session and write a paragraph summarizing the Live Session from your perspective. Click on the "Start Assignment" button to type (or copy/paste) your paragraph into the text field. Don't worry if the system indicates your submission is late. You will have until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Central to submit your paragraph summary.
Note: Be sure to utilize option 1 or 2 for each of the Live Sessions to receive full points. Regardless of when the session occurred, you must post your response based on option 1 or 2.
Critical Analysis Paper (Removed-Points Re-distributed)
Critically examining policy and the subsequent programs and practices that follows (or vice versa) allows for society to reflect on progress towards a more diverse and inclusive world, address gaps that hinder diversity, equity, and inclusion; and examine whether existing policy hinders progress. Often, it is not politicians or the institutions that develop the policies who are the first to be critical of policy, rather it is the community, grassroots social justice organizations, and/or policy advocacy organizations who provide the most thought-provoking perspectives revealing how effective (or not effective) policy may be.
For this paper, you will serve as a representative of a grassroots organization. You will identify a current policy that addresses one of the modes of marginalization and describe the following:
- an overview of the policy including its historical roots (literature review)
- Any current programmatic efforts to assist in addressing the policy
- Data or noteworthy changes since the policy’s inception
- Limitations to the Policy
- Limitations to any Programs
- Areas for growth
- Overall thoughts on the policy.
This paper is expected to be 5-6 pages (excluding title page and references) and double-spaced. All references and paper formatting are expected to be in APA format
Group Presentation
On the final week of class, each group will deliver a presentation of their policy proposal. This presentation can utilize any visual format you choose (PowerPoint, a Group Poster, Prezi etc.) but there must be a visual.
Your 10–15-minute presentation should provide a brief introduction of the literature and other relevant data, an overview of the policy, potential programs, and other outcomes.
Group Paper
For this final paper, each student will be added to a group and asked to develop a proposal for a new policy to address an issue facing one of the Modes of Marginalization. The policy is expected to be innovative and new, however, you are able to provide an addition to current policy where you are attempting to fill in any noticeable gaps that.
For this paper you will need to include the following:
- a title page
- introduction
- literature review that demonstrates a need for policy
- any relevant data that supports the need for the policy
- rationale
- an overview and description of the policy
- target audience
- description of potential programs related to the policy
- potential transformation in practice outcomes
This paper is expected to be between 13-15 pages (excluding title and reference pages), APA format and double-spaced.
Reflections
Having an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences with the subject matter is a great way to develop an understanding of the relevance and importance of policies, programs, and practices. You are required to complete three reflection papers throughout the course. Reflections are your thoughts/perceptions on the topics related to issues discussed in this course. You will be provided the literature to review and questions to respond to in a written 2–3-page paper.
Peer Review
As part of the group project, members will also be asked to evaluate group members for participation and provided a separate grade.
Course Policies
Communication
Email is always the best way to reach me. You should expect a response within 48 hours (including weekends and holidays). If 48 hours or more have passed without a response, a follow-up email may be sent.
Any urgent questions or concerns that require more immediate attention should be flagged as such in the subject line (simply write “urgent”). During the week, you can expect a response to an urgent request within a few hours. However, on weekends there may be a delay of a few hours to a day before you can expect a response.
I will communicate with you via the “announcements” section of your Canvas page as well as through Canvas messages. No email will be sent to personal email addresses. It is essential that you check the “announcements” regularly as well as that you read and use your OU email.
Feedback
Students can expect a one- week turn around for feedback and grades on their activities and assignments. However, there are times that reviewing assignments can extend beyond this window where extenuating circumstances occur. In this case, I will notify students via announcements/or email in Canvas.
Late Policy
All late work will receive a 10-point deduction for every 24-hours it is late. Late work will only be accepted for full credit if an acceptable excuse is provided. An acceptable excuse takes the form of a documented personal illness or emergency (e.g., a doctor’s note) or documentation of required participation in a work or government-sponsored activity that precludes the completion of the required coursework (e.g., a notice of jury duty). However, students should always contact the professor in the event that they experience difficulties completing their work in a timely manner. Each case will be considered on its own merits, and a student who is struggling for any reason should reach out for assistance as this is the best way to ensure success in the program. If your instructor does not know that you are struggling, they cannot help you!
If you anticipate that you will need additional time to complete an assignment or that you will be unable to meet the original deadline for any reason, it is your responsibility to communicate with me earlier rather than later in order to discuss a possible extension. If you hand in an assignment late, it is necessary to get in touch with me as soon as possible in order to discuss the reasons for your late assignment and to provide documentation where appropriate.
Outside of an excused late assignment (extensions will be granted at the discretion of the instructor), any work handed in more than 7 days after the deadline will NOT be accepted. A grade of 'zero' will be entered.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.