Public Affairs 6070: Public Affairs Statistics
This is a sample syllabus to provide general information about the course and it's requirements. Course requirements are subject to change. This syllabus does not contain all assignment or course detail and currently enrolled students should reference the syllabus provided by their instructor. For a specific syllabus, please email us a request.
Learning Outcomes
Most public policy and management arguments are predicated on the availability and interpretation of good evidence. It is important, therefore, to have a sound understanding of what constitutes credible evidence in support of a policy argument and a management decision in the public and nonprofit sectors. It is expected that by the end of the course, students will have the basic tools to calculate, communicate, and consume applied statistics related to public policy problems. Specifically, students will become: familiar with basic statistical logic, capable of computer-based statistical analyses, able to interpret and communicate statistical information in both technical and non-technical language, and critical of statistical analyses produced by others.
This course is designed to address the following John Glenn College learning objectives:
- Methods 4 - Seek and identify patterns in data
- Methods 5 - Understand the logic of a statistical argument and be able to produce them for varied audiences and in multiple ways
- Methods 6 – Support claims with statistically sound quantitative and/or qualitative evidence
Requirements and Expectations
The course grade is based on performance on problem set assignments (25%) and three exams (25% each). Grades will be based on 300 points. Each homework is out of 75 points. I will take the average of your five highest scores for 75 total points toward your final grade. Each exam will be scored out of 75 points, for a total of 300 points possible in the course.
This course may require software and textbook(s). Please check with your specific instructor for details.
Three exams will be given in class according to the schedule on the last page. They will each be worth 75 points. Exams will be in-class, and students will be allowed to use one page (front/back) of notes. More information regarding the structure of each exam will be available prior to the exam. Make-up exams will be given only when prior arrangements are made and only for documentable and unavoidable circumstances. Collaboration on exams is strictly forbidden.
There will be a total of six homework assignments. Your final grade will be calculated using the five highest scores. While you are encouraged to collaborate with other students in the course in solving homework problems, you must turn in your own write ups. All homework assignments must be submitted on Carmen before the beginning of the class on the day they are due. Late work will not be accepted.