IDEAS IN ACTION

Religion and U.S. Public Policy - PSCI / GAFL 440-401

Term: Spring 2007

Instructor: Dr. John J. DiIulio Jr.

Distinguished Policymaker: Various

Course Description: What role have religious nonprofit organizations played in post-Katrina and post-Rita relief and rebuilding initiatives in New Orleans and elsewhere in the Gulf Coast? What role should they play in future relief and rebuilding initiatives, and how, if at all, should that role be conducted in partnership with federal, state, or local governments? What, if any, new public policies and programs are both necessary and desirable as means of affecting such civic partnerships? Using New Orleans and the Gulf coast as its primary case study, this seminar will explore the historical, constitutional, political, and administrative issues central to understanding religion and public policy in the U.S. today. In addition, the seminar will examine the empirical “faith factor” research relevant to the topic. Students will meet with a variety of governmental officials, community leaders, and others. Students who enroll in this course will participate in a class trip to New Orleans over Spring Break to conduct research, meet with policymakers, and undertake a service project.

Students in this course produced a report as a culmination of their research. The full report and more information on the course can be found here.