
Prospectus
PAL-210 (Gov 2322)
(Click Here to See the Syllabus)
U.S. Congress and Lawmaking
M/W 11:30-1:00, Fall 1999
- Audience: Open to MPPs and MPAs interested in "working with
legislatures" as elected officials, staffers, bureaucratic liaisons, or lobbyists.
International students, especially ones expecting to work in Washington someday, are
encouraged to attend. There is also a Ph.D. section for Government Department doctoral
students. Ph.D. students (and only Ph.D. students) should sign up for the course
under the Gov 2322 course number.
- Objectives: Students become effective in dealing with
legislatures. Graduates of this course go on to work as lobbyists and legislative
staffers. Several are currently running for public office. Students learn how legislatures
work (and why they sometimes do not work) from two perspectives: the "inside" as
a legislator or a staffer, and the "outside" as a lobbyist, reporter, or member
of the executive branch. The workings of legislatures -- particularly the U.S. Congress --
will no longer be a mystery to anyone taking this course.
- Outline: (1) Theory (Why Legislatures? Nuts and Bolts). (2) Working
the Inside (Personal Staff, Committee Staff). (3) From the Outside (Lobbyists,
Bureaucrats). (4) Legislative Simulation (runs throughout the term). The first third of
the course is taught in the traditional style, with lectures, readings, and papers. The
second third is case intensive, and the legislative simulation begins to build. The final
part of the class is primarily built around the simulation, as students take on the lives
of legislators, staffers, and lobbyists.
- Grading:
- 30% Written exercises
- 30% Case Discussion & Participation
- 40% Legislative simulation
- Readings: Three books and a CMO course
pack are required. All the books are available at the Harvard Coop. Additional books,
readings, and a final paper are required for Ph.D. students.