Policy Practicum: Systems Thinking for Law and Public Policy

Virtually every public policy has causes and consequences beyond those that are intended or immediately visible. This is true of criminal law policies that use algorithmic predictions of flight before trial; environmental policies involving greenhouse gas emissions and conventional pollutants; and social and health policies that address homelessness, institutional racism, and the distribution of Covid vaccines, to name just a few examples. The causes of the problems that these policies seek to address are complex. As a result, these policies often fail and sometimes have unintended adverse consequences. "Systems thinking" is a framework that describes the web of associations in which such policies reside, with the goals of understanding the multiple causes of problems and designing policies that lead to stable, positive changes. Understanding systems thinking and systems change is a core skill for policy makers. This course continues the work of a similar Policy Lab in spring 2021 in helping create an online course for use by future students that illustrates the main concepts of systems thinking (including stocks and flows, balancing and reinforcing loops, and systems archetypes) and systems change using real-world case studies. After several introductory classes devoted to learning these concepts and learning how to use the web-based systems mapping tool, Kumu, students will work on systems design projects for eventual inclusion in the online course. Grading is on the Mandatory P/R/F scale and takes into consideration attendance, participation, and collaboration; quality of the case studies and presentations. Although there is no bright line between two and three units, the number of units should reflect the amount of time you devote to the course. Relevant variables are: 1. The complexity of a case study and its attendant system diagrams, including how much research needs to go into developing it; 2. Whether, in addition to a case study, you develop a module dealing with a systems archetype. If you work with a partner, it's probably best if the two of you are taking the course for the same number of credits you are so that work is divided equitably. There are no prerequisites for enrollment in the Policy Lab, and students in any academic program with knowledge or strong interests in legal, environmental, social, and health policies are welcome. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Performance, Class Participation, Written Assignments, and Final Paper. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS website (Click Courses at the bottom of the homepage and then click Consent of Instructor Forms). See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.