Public Affairs Institute (PAF)
Professor Lorenz.
Alma's Public Affairs Institute offers interdisciplinary experiences for students who, regardless of particular majors, have common academic and vocational interests in public affairs. The program includes workshops, visiting speakers, scholars-in-residence, professional consulting and advising.
Requirements
To earn certification in the Public Affairs Program, students must earn a minimum of 18 credits drawn from the following classes: Public Affairs 150, 350, 385, 480 and 499; and Political Science 141. No more than four credits from those listed above may count toward a student's major or minor. Moreover, participants are encouraged to satisfy distributive requirements by completing coursework in History 105 or 121 for Area SO-1; Philosophy 126, 227, 228, 229, or Religious Studies 126 for Area AH-3; Economics 201 and 202, Political Science 101, or Sociology and Anthropology 101 for Area SO-2; and Environmental Studies 105 or Psychology 121 for Area NS-1. Elective coursework will be recommended by the program advisor to enhance skills and broaden perspectives.
Candidates who complete Alma's degree requirements and all Institute components will graduate with a bachelor's degree in the major subject and will have the following noted on their permanent record: Completed the Public Affairs Program. Candidates who satisfy the requirements prescribed above and who achieve a 3.0 overall CPA together with a 3.25 CPA in the Institute Program will have the designation Public Affairs Fellow inscribed on their permanent record. Admission to the Institute requires formal application and acceptance.
| PAF 150. | Public Affairs Colloquium | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 credits | ||
| Introduction to selected, critical public affairs issues through multidisciplinary and case-study approaches. Presentations by visiting speakers, other resource people and students. | ||
| PAF *350. | Public Affairs Seminar I | |
 |
2-4 credits | Fee TBA |
| Permission | ||
| Topical study of public affairs issues examined from interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives. Focus on formulation, implementation and effects of selected decisions and programs in public and private sectors. Provides preparation for PAF 450. | ||
| PAF *385. | Practicum | |
| 4-12 credits | ||
| PAF 450 and Permission | ||
| Internship with public or private agencies arranged in consultation with the Public Affairs Institute advisor. Minimum of four credits required for all Public Affairs program participants although no more than eight may count toward the degree. | ||
| PAF *450. | Public Affairs Seminar II | |
| 4 credits | Fee TBA | |
| PAF 350 | ||
| Investigation of selected public affairs issues, policies and programs from interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives. | ||
| PAF *499. | Independent Study | |
| 2-8 credits | ||
| PAF 385 and Permission | ||
| Interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research arranged in consultation with the Public Affairs Institute advisor and supervised by faculty from at least two different departments. All Public Affairs program participants are required to have a minimum of two credits of Independent Study. | ||