College: Vocational School

This major focuses on the intersection of government, politics, and public policy. Students explore key areas such as public administration, policy analysis, political communication, advocacy, and ethics. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, effective communication, and the application of political and administrative principles to address public issues and influence policymaking. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, public relations, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of public affairs and policymaking.
• Develop skills in policy analysis, advocacy, and political communication.
• Learn techniques for conducting public policy research and evaluation.
• Explore the role of ethics, transparency, and accountability in public affairs.
• Understand the principles of public administration and governance.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in public policy and governance.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills to address public issues.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Public Affairs
   • Overview of public affairs, its significance, and fundamental concepts.
   • Basics of government, politics, and public policy.
2. Public Administration
   • Principles of public administration, including organizational structures, administration, and leadership.
   • Techniques for delivering public services and effective management.
3. Policy Analysis
   • Methods for analyzing public policies, including cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, and policy evaluation.
   • Techniques for developing and implementing effective policy solutions.
4. Political Communication
   • Principles of political communication, including media relations, public speaking, and advocacy.
   • Techniques for crafting and delivering effective political messages.
5. Advocacy and Lobbying
   • Fundamentals of advocacy and lobbying, including strategies to influence policymakers and public opinion.
   • Techniques for designing and executing advocacy campaigns.
6. Ethics in Public Affairs
   • Understanding ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability in public affairs.
   • Techniques to ensure ethical conduct and promote integrity in governance.
7. Public Policy Research Methods
   • Principles of public policy research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
   • Techniques for conducting and evaluating public policy research.
8. Public Relations and Crisis Management
   • Basics of public relations, including media management, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement.
   • Techniques for managing and mitigating public crises and maintaining organizational reputation.
9. Emerging Trends in Public Affairs
   • Analyzing innovations such as digital advocacy, the impact of social media, and data-driven policymaking.
   • Techniques for adapting to new trends and technologies in public affairs.
10. Capstone Project in Public Affairs
    • A practical project applying acquired skills to address an issue related to public policy or advocacy campaign.
    • Techniques for presenting a comprehensive solution to public affairs challenges.

Assessment Methods:

• Policy analysis reports, advocacy campaign plans, political communication strategies, ethics papers, research projects, public relations plans, crisis management simulations, group projects, internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Public Administration: Understanding Management, Politics, and Law in the Public Sector" by George E. Frederickson and Kevin B. Smith.
• "Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making" by Deborah Stone.
• "Political Communication" by Brian McNair.
• "Lobbying and Advocacy" by Diana G. Jayleck.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of government, politics, and public policy. Suitable for students interested in public administration, policy analysis, political communication, advocacy, and related fields.

Duration of the Major: Typically 4 years to complete a Bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, and internships. Advanced degrees may require additional years.

Degree: Graduates may earn a degree in public affairs and pursue professional certifications such as Certified Public Manager (CPM) or Certified in Public Relations (CPR).

Target Audience: Aspiring government officials, policy analysts, political communicators, advocates, public relations specialists, and professionals seeking to specialize in public affairs and policymaking.

This major provides students with the analytical, communicative, and practical skills necessary to excel in public affairs, support effective governance, policymaking, and advocacy.