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
Energy and Environmental Affairs – Public Hearing 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.