This course focuses on the role and nature of governmental policy at the national, state and local levels. Key facets of this course include understanding and changing public policy, identifying decision-makers and policy analysis, and effective communications with key policy makers. Students will investigate the essential relationship between government and the arts, including cultural and educational policy, funding, the relationships among federal, state, and local policies, and key policies such as visa, federal funding, cultural diplomacy, artist rights, copyright, and arts education standards and regulations. Specific attention will be given basic advocacy, including public awareness and legislative, coalition building, government relations, and the basic steps to launching a campaign.