This course will introduce students to both the process of public policy and the tools of policy analysis. The first part examines the actors, institutions, and procedures involved in the adoption, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. The second part introduces students to the basic concepts and tools of policy analysis including problem definition, specification of alternatives, and solution analysis.

The adjustment from HS to college is filled with turbulent transitions and with opportunities for discovery, growth, and development of critical life skills. Course focuses on development of broad skills to create fulfilling lives and successful careers after college, especially in 4 areas: (1) development of emotional resilience skills, (2) development of life management skills, (3) intro to leadership concepts, and (4) establishment of small communities of students.

Students study complex & ambiguous problems like a strategy consultant. The immersive, case-based course gives students the skills & confidence to navigate complex business problems & facilitate discussion around the psychology of decision making teams. Learn hypothesis driven structured problem-solving approach & apply to mock case interviews & live consulting project w/a real-world client. Final case competition is presented to alumni leaders.

Drawing on social science research, this course explores how public leaders contribute to problem identification, issue framing, policy adoption, crisis management, and organizational and societal change. The course will clarify the relationships among key concepts including leadership and followership, authority and influence, reciprocity and persuasion, and examine the role of contextual factors in shaping the strategies of 21st century leaders

In this course, students will learn the fundamental building blocks of valuing streams of cash flows whether from a financial asset or investment project. Topics to be covered may include the time value of money, discounting, compounding, investment rules including estimating the net present value of a project, and the basics of capital budgeting.

This course examines the problems and issues confronting American national security policymakers and the factors that influence the policies that emerge. Types of questions we will address include: What threatens those interests? How should the U.S. defend those interests? What kind of military should we build? Should the U.S. enter alliances with other countries? The course is organized along an historical time line.

Nonprofits -- from refugee advocacy groups to homeless shelters to world-class museums and universities -- along with political campaigns and social movements share a common problem: they need money. Fundraising is fuel for action and a marketable skill. This experiential learning class will help you to understand the different types of fundraising and the essentials of designing and executing a development plan by actively raising money.

For students advanced beyond the level of ENCW 2600. Involves workshop of student work, craft discussions, and relevant reading. May be repeated with different instructor. For instructions on how to apply to this class or more details, please visit our program website at creativewriting.virginia.edu/ugrad.

The data science project course will allow students to take the knowledge gained in each of the four required courses and apply them to a data driven problem. Students will work in groups and can either choose a project provided by SDS faculty or can propose a project for approval. Upon completion of the course students will be required to present their results and publish project content to an open forum.

How can we understand patterns of human development around the world? More specifically, how does politics affect health, prosperity and security? Through this course, you will become a critical consumer of explanations for human development and you will learn how to propose and evaluate development initiatives with a keen understanding of the importance of political factors.