Paper Three is a term paper (8-10 pages). This paper will be structured as a policy brief analyzing one topic relating to this course and using the reading materials we have discussed in class (the optional reading materials are also available for this project). You should use no less than four academic sources (drawing on required or optional materials assigned in class) and one
interview with the relevant authority.
What should a policy brief do?
A policy brief should: Provide enough background for the reader to understand the problem. Convince the reader that at seem must be addressed urgently. Provide information about alternatives (in an objective brief). Provide evidence to support one alternative (in an advocacy brief). Stimulate the reader to decide.
What should a policy brief contain?
A policy brief should be short and to the point to achieve its objectives. It should focus on a particular problem or issue. Do not go into all the details. Instead, provide enough information for the reader to understand the issue and decide to Be based on firm evidence, not just one or two experiments or a year’s experience. It should draw evidence from various sources – preferably from several different areas or organizations. Focus on meanings, not methods. Readers are interested in what you find and what you recommend. They do not need to know the details of your methodology. Relate to the big picture. The policy brief may build on context-specific findings, but generally applicable conclusions should be.
