Our focus is both on how politics shapes policies (social science) and how professionals and citizens can be effective as policy analysts or advocates (practice). Current politics and policy will be discussed but this is neither a casual survey of news events nor an introduction to political science or American politics. Attention to current electoral and policy issues is essential – you all are public policy majors. Students are expected to approach policy issues with a well-informed and (self-)critical perspective that requires active engagement with a variety of current issues. Because this is the gateway course for the BSPP program (and restricted to BSPP majors) we also will discuss the curriculum and course offerings, internship and career prospects, etc.