Assignment 1 – Hometown Analysis
Due Session 3
Using your hometown as the subject of your investigation, assume that you are a policy analyst and you work for the new mayor or the new town or city council. What data can you use to tell a story about your hometown?
Assignment 2 – EPA Open Docket On Pesticides
Due Session 8
Write a memo of comments to the Environmental Protection Agency voicing your stance on pesticides and their effects on pollinators.
Effective Memo Writing Examples (PDF)
Assignment 3 – Observe A Public Meeting
Due Session 12
MIT students were required to attend a public meeting in the Boston area and write an informational memo based on their observations.
Links to Public Meetings
City of Boston Public Meeting Schedule
Consumer and Business Affairs Regulation
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection – Public Hearings & Comments
Energy Facilities Sitting Board – Public Hearings
Metropolitan Area Planning Council Events
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Board Meetings
Cambridge City Council Meeting Schedule
Boston City Council Meeting Schedule
City of Somerville Public Meetings
Assignment 4 – Open-ended
Due Session 17
The last short assignment is open-ended and you may choose to either prepare for your final project or to re-write a previous assignment.
Final Assignment
Oral Presentations Due Sessions 23–25
Final Paper Due Session 26
The final assignment will be 40% of your final grade and consists of two parts: An oral presentation and a 12–15 page paper.
