Course Catalog
Select a course below for more details:
- Core Courses:
- Capstone Project:
Origins of American Democracy – 4 credits
This course will investigate the intellectual and practical beginnings of democracy in America. It will analyze the bedrock documents that guide our government, and examine the history of electoral politics in the United States.
Class, Poverty and Race in America – 4 credits
A study of the persistent issues of class, poverty and race in America and how they compromise the pursuit of the "American Dream" of equality and opportunity. The "War on Poverty," the Civil Rights Movement, welfare reform and educational inequalities will be examined.
Economic Analysis – 4 credits
This course is an analysis of economic phenomena (prices, taxation, market values) from the perspectives of economic institutions (government, markets) and the decisions that they make. Topics covered will include the role of government and markets in advancing the public good, effects and limitations of government economic policies, and analyzing the effects of economic decisions on the institution and the public.
Environmental Politics and Policy – 4 credits
Are we facing an unprecedented environmental crisis or are environmental problems exaggerated? Has political discourse helped to shape sound environmental policies in the public interest or mainly served as an arena for a battle of special interests? What has been the role of environmental organizations and other institutions in environmental politics? What environmental issues are most likely to receive more attention in political debate and how might this debate unfold? This course will examine these and other issues.
America and the World – 4 credits
Now, more than any other time in our history, policy decisions made by the United States cast an enormous shadow around the world. This course will look at the impact and perception of American policy abroad. Among the topics examined will be unilateralism versus multilateralism, American attitudes toward the UN, the recent loss of American prestige and power abroad, soft power versus hard power, and rising challenges to American power.
Ethics in Government – 4 credits
This course will examine the moral issues relating to governing and being governed. Topics include the philosophical nature and limits of representative government, ethical issues, in formulating public policy, civil liberties issues and corruption in government. Selected case studies will be utilized to develop understanding and skills dealing with ethical dilemmas in public service, particularly with regard to the role of ethics in leadership.
Governmental Policy Makers – 4 credits
The framers of the U.S. Constitution designed a government in which all three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial — play indispensable roles in the formulation of public policy. This course will examine the way in which this complex institution fulfills its essential role, both in design and in practice.
This course will explore current issues and trends in the operation of government, from the perspective of its original design and its evolution since 1787. Students will have the opportunity to consider the purpose of government, and the relationship between seats of power within the federal system and the people from whom their authority is theoretically derived. The course will focus on the differences between the theory of government operation and its practice, and the motivations and concerns that have driven the organization of government, from the ratification of the Constitution to the present day.
This course will also examine the growing role of the Executive Branch, not only in implementing the policies enacted by Congress, but in setting the policy agenda for the nation. Institutional tensions between the Executive and Legislative branches will be studied, as well as key events and decisions that have further defined the power of the Judiciary. By the end of the course, students should have acquired increased perspective on how the design for making policy for the United States has endured, and how the relationship between the government and its people has evolved within that original framework.
Campaigns and Elections – 4 credits
A study of the election process, including positioning of candidates, interaction with the media, campaign finance and law, party politics, and building a voter base of support. Students will manage a hypothetical campaign from its inception to a mock election. Guest presentations by successful candidates and campaign managers will be a central focus of the course.
Master's Capstone Project – 4 credits
The culminating project for the Master of Arts in Public Policy will be the completion of a Master's thesis or project. This will be either a major research paper or a client-based project that explores, in-depth, a public policy topic selected by the student, with guidance from their advisor.
The purpose of the capstone is to provide students with the opportunity to research and analyze a public policy issue and to demonstrate their graduate level mastery of the subjects they have studied, as well as the skills they have acquired during their two-year course of study.
The capstone project will give students the chance to focus on a subject of particular interest to them and pursue it in a rigorous and thorough manner. Whether their interests run to international affairs, the political process, the environment, the media, healthcare policy, the nonprofit sector, the criminal justice system, or some other area, they can use their thesis or project to immerse themselves in exploring their topic. Students are eligible to enroll in the capstone course upon completion of 32 credits.
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The OnlineNEC Experience
New England College (NEC) has a rich tradition of academic excellence. Our online programs are designed for professionals who have already achieved success in their careers and who want to enrich their knowledge with advanced study.
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