# Assignments

## 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.