This course is designed to introduce historical, theoretical and disciplinary perspectives essential for critical thinking about the policymaking process. The course begins with the economic paradigm and the standard rational model. We then explore various responses to and critiques of this paradigm through different conceptual lenses, drawing on ideas from the political science, sociology, public and social policy and economics fields. Topics include agenda-setting, policy diffusion, institutional analysis, policy research and ethics; we consider both domestic and international contexts. The primary intention of the course is to provide the tools necessary to better establish scholarly expertise in the field of policy analysis. In addition, the readings and student contributions will introduce the class to a range of seminal policy topics and problems. Class sessions are led by the students and the course concludes with student presentations of their own policy analyses of major policy issues using material from the course.