Teaching Policy Analysis Through Animated Films

A Mickey Mouse Assignment

Bibliographic Data

ID12377861
AuthorsValerie Cooley (John Brown University, corresponding author), Andrew Pennock (0000-0003-1409-4039, University of Virginia)
Year2015
Volume48
Issue4
Pages601-606
Publication date2015-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePS Political Science & Politics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-0965 • E-ISSN: 1537-5935
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1049096515000839
OpenAlexW2492494279
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited2

To conduct a policy analysis, students must master foundational concepts and apply them using critical and evaluative thinking. A film-based assignment allows students to practice the steps of policy analysis in a low-stakes setting that requires a limited investment of time. Ideally, the assignment is used as an initial practice exercise before engaging in applied projects later in the semester. The applied projects are enhanced because students already have used the steps of policy analysis and been given feedback in a sheltered setting. We suggest using animated films for this assignment because they force students to define problems, solutions, and criteria without reference to existing practices or dominant perspectives. Therefore, student time and instructor feedback is devoted to developing what Bardach termed “first-rate thinking.” Concentrating attention on logical thought processes builds a strong foundation for further training in policy analysis

Foundation (evidence · Investment (military · Logical analysis · Logical reasoning · Management science · Mathematics education · Pedagogy · Policy analysis · Political science · Computer Science · Engineering · Innovative Teaching Methodologies in Social Sciences · Law · Mathematics · Political Science Research and Education · Psychology · Public Policy and Administration Research

Tools

Open DOISci-HubOpen Access