Public Policy: Origins, Practice, and Analysis

Reviewed by Amy McCoy, Assistant Professor, Drake University on 11/18/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This is a comprehensive introduction to origins of policy, policy practice and policy analysis. It is written in a manner that is very accessible so that anyone, even without prior policy knowledge, gets sufficient background to understand the history of policy, how it's implemented and how to examine it.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

This is written in a neutral manner and while the Affordable Care Act is the policy that is followed, it is done some in a practical, non-partisan manner. It was a fitting choice for policy because it went through many iterations that could then be analyzed as parts of the policy analysis process.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

While the Affordable Care Act is already slightly past its prime, it's a relevant example and will continue to impact many citizens' lives. The historical background and clarity of explaining the policy process will not become outdated. It's all accessible to any level of policy knowledge, making it a useful tool for high school to undergraduate students.

Clarity rating: 5

I can't emphasize enough here that this written in simple, accessible language for learners who may not have any policy background. I'm impressed by the way it builds through the policy background in a meaningful way, taking the reader to a point they can feel comfortable doing analysis. The summary tables are excellent for learning and I will most certainly be incorporating the text as well as these visuals into my coursework.

Consistency rating: 5

The accessible, accurate language that quickly gets the reader the basic information they need to understand the policy process maintains its integrity throughout this resource. The resource sections are also extremely helpful for anyone accessing this information and wanting to build on it further.

Modularity rating: 5

Again, it's structured in a way that's easy to access and that summarizes the learning in addition to providing more resources. It would be quite simple to take each section and turn it into a learning system module.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This text takes the reader through the historical background of policy to the ability to conduct present day political awareness and analysis.

Interface rating: 5

Easy to navigate with sections and pages clearly denoted.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find any grammatical errors and the language was at a level that new college learners could easily absorb the information.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This text is written in a very factual manner and while individual readers may have personal political leanings on its main analysis the Affordable Care Act - it's written in a manner that it neither promotes nor criticizes the policy but follows it progress.

Comments

This is a very accessible, accurate and engaging read especially for students new to policy and policy analysis. It may not fit the critical thinking level of upper level courses, but it will be in my toolbox for students who haven't worked in the policy area and those who want a reference text on the history, implementation and examination of policy.

Reviewed by Anne Douds, Associate Professor, Gettysburg College on 10/18/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book is sufficiently comprehensive, and I appreciate that it is more succinct than some other popular texts. Any gaps in information can easily be addressed with secondary readings.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book covers content neutrally and with minimal detectable bias.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

It is up to date for now, but I worry about whether the ACA as a unifying theme of all chapters will retain saliency? Updates will be necessary, which is true of all texts, but the ACA is already waning in terms of popular focus.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is very straight forward. At times, the text feels a bit simplistic, but when I think about using it for an introductory undergraduate class, I think its simplicity will appeal to students who are not as familiar with some fundamental concepts. Students better versed in policy studies who take the introductory course could be given supplementary materials to increase depth.

Consistency rating: 5

Yes the formatting, terminology, and framework are consistent.

Modularity rating: 4

The organization of the text is not consistent with how I teach the policy cycle, but that is not good or bad, just different. I would have preferred modules that separate problem definition, prioritization, implementation, outcomes, and evaluation into distinct modules. But I will be able to pull subsets of content from throughout the book for each of those.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Yes

Interface rating: 5

The book works well as a pdf. I did not see any interactive spaces that might need to link to other materials.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Grammar is solid.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I did not detect anything concerning.