Written Criteria for Policy-Briefs
A policy brief is a form of public policy analysis that prompts you to think your way through a policy issue with an eye toward the development of alternatives and potential solutions. A policy brief presents extensive research in a short, succinct discussion. In contrast to a typical academic research paper, a policy brief is a form of professional writing that is explicitly position oriented, prescriptive, and normative. A policy brief defines a problem from a particular perspective and tells the audience what should be done about it. Guidelines for writing the policy brief are attached.
Students will be expected to submit a policy brief on a topic(s) pertaining to the subject matter of the course. These briefs may be no more than 10 pages in length (not counting references, tables, graphs, diagrams, figures, pictures, etc.), and should state the policy problem to be analyzed, the state of knowledge, remaining gaps in understanding, and possible policy implications.
GUIDELINES:
• Use up-to-date data and sources including human sources you contact directly. A major criterion is timeliness and appropriateness of sources of information. But, DON’T DEPEND ON THE INTERNET ALONE – use regular library sources as well as journals, books, and even primary sources and field observation, if you can do so! DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA-USING WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE IS CONSIDERED A FATAL FLAW FOR YOUR PAPER.
• If the issue is a very current “hot topic” you should also include references to public opinion and media sources which may be critical to addressing “timeliness”–i.e., what do actual public or decision-makers know and think about the issue at hand right now!
• The focus should be on being concise, precise and balanced – as if you’re writing as a “policy advisor” or analyst for your “boss” or for a decision-making body that “needs facts and options” to consider before making a decision, e.g., Congressional Committee, Board, professional association, or client of some type.
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• Try to avoid jargon as much as possible–remember your audience is usually NOT specialists, but educated, busy decision-makers or the general public. Again, you are not trying to impress them with how much you know, but help them understand enough to make an informed decision.
• Remember that in policy writing the goal is NOT to be exhaustive or overly-idealistic or theoretical, but realistic, practical, concise, persuasive, balanced, and applied. The goal is to present “doable” options that might lead to action or a change in strategy on the issue or problem you’re addressing.
• Reference carefully and use a diversity of sources: academic journals, the Internet, TV/Radio, interviews with people, newspapers. References must be in annotated bibliography format. A minimum of 8 references is required (since you will be including the internet, radio, newspaper, etc.).
• Enhance readability via careful use of bullets, headings, icons, text-boxes, and other graphical aids to facilitate quicker understanding of the key facts and issues.
• When you use acronyms or abbreviations, spell them out or reference in footnotes (unless you’re sure it is common knowledge).
• Use judiciously charts, graphs, maps, pictures to illustrate your key points! Be careful to give credit and cite appropriately (copying graphics from the Web without giving the original URL is not appropriate). List Figures consecutively and provides a short, concise caption.
• Follow a standard Style Manual such as APA, and give appropriate credit, e.g., citations, references. Most important–be consistent and follow the same style.*