In this course I hope that you will learn to think critically about several debates in contemporary higher education policy. Class discussions will explore the tensions between key policy goals such as quality, equity, and efficiency, and the results (including unintended consequences) of those tensions. We will also examine the theory and research brought to bear on policy debates, and how it is used—or not used—to shape policy agendas. By the end of this class, you should be able to read and think critically about an array of higher education policies, communicate effectively regarding your thinking on higher education policy issues with others, carefully analyze higher education policies, and clearly and succinctly convey your thinking in writing.
