This course builds on Introduction to Research and Writing on Contemporary Policy Challenges I and focuses on understanding and communicating pressing policy issues, with a particular emphasis on climate change and social inequality. Students will examine how contemporary policy challenges are framed in academic and public debates and how discourse shapes public understanding, political action, and policy outcomes. The course places a strong emphasis on non-academic writing, while situating it within broader research and methodological debates. Students will explore when and how persuasion works, and how different forms of non-academic communication can be used strategically to influence decision-makers and public audiences. At the same time, students will strengthen their ability to draw on academic research and apply both qualitative and quantitative methods to contemporary policy questions. Time will also be dedicated to the role of AI in research and writing, with a focus on ethical, transparent, and effective uses of AI tools in academic and policy-oriented work. The course encourages student choice and creativity: students may select topics for their assignments that align with their interests. Peer review is a core component of the course and is designed to support learning through constructive feedback. Through a combination of readings, discussions, writing exercises, and peer review, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate policy discourse, conduct and communicate qualitative and quantitative analyses, and produce concise, compelling, and methodologically sound policy-oriented documents for diverse audiences.

• Analyse discourse in contemporary policy challenges, with particular attention to climate change and social inequality
• Analyse situation, audience, and purpose in a range of academic and non-academic writing contexts, including internal communication (background and recommendation memos) and external communication (policy briefs, op-eds, press releases).
• Produce clear, concise, and effective academic and non-academic policy documents tailored to diverse audiences and purposes.
• Gain applied knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods commonly used in policy research.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to contemporary policy questions and communicate findings effectively.
• Use AI tools responsibly, ethically, and transparently in research and writing, and critically assess their implications for academic and policy work.
• Give and receive constructive feedback through peer review and collaborative revision.

Regular participation is expected. Students are required to attend at least 80% of the course sessions to fulfil the attendance requirement. In case of absence, students should inform the instructor in advance whenever possible.

The course follows an inverted classroom approach. Core concepts, readings, and selected materials are prepared by students in advance of class sessions. Class time is then dedicated to instructor input, guided discussions, collaborative activities, hands-on exercises, and the application of concepts to concrete policy challenges. Learning activities consist of preparatory readings and materials, short lectures and instructor input, discussions and other interactive in-class activities, individual writing assignments, and structured peer review sessions. This design emphasizes active participation, practical application, and continuous feedback.

Student performance is assessed through a combination of written work, discussions, applied method exercises, and a final project. Assessment components include two writing exercises focusing non-academic policy communication (30%), a panel discussion (10%), several homework assignments applying qualitative and quantitative research methods (30%), and a final project that integrates research, methods, and writing skills developed throughout the course (30%).

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