The pollen has fallen, temperatures have risen, and the last thing you may be thinking about is classes for next fall. However, following on the heels of “What Classes Should I Take Next?”, you can read more below about four courses we’re offering this fall that highlight the range of Batten’s undergraduate and graduate offerings!
1. LPPS 5260: Designing Environmental Policy
Undergrads and grads, here’s your chance to examine environmental policy through an economic lens with Professor Jenna Anders. Professor Anders just came to UVA Batten last year after earning her doctorate in economics from Harvard University in 2024 and completing a postdoctoral fellowship in natural resources and political economy at the University of California, Berkeley.
In this course, you’ll examine existing federal environmental policies, how economists look at market failures to advise on government intervention, and the methods for measuring the costs and benefits of environmental policy. In the second half of the class, you’ll focus on the wrinkles that come up when these policies are implemented. For example, what well-meaning policies might create perverse incentives? What should we expect to be the market-level effects of a policy? How do regulators and polluters interact strategically? Find out on Wednesday afternoons this fall!
2. LPPL 2100: Resilient Student
The American Psychological Association defines “resilience” as the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences – and emphasizes that resilience is rooted in a set of behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone.
Through this course, Professor Tim Davis – a clinical psychologist – helps students achieve more by building resiliency, community, and self-awareness. This course is a life lesson in how turbulent transitions provide opportunities for discovery, growth, and the development of critical life skills. Want a roadmap for creating a fulfilling life and successful career after college? This is the course for you. (Note: this course does not satisfy Batten major or minor requirements because it’s at the 2000-level, but it does provide a great introduction to our leadership curriculum!)
3. LPPP 3559: Communicating Public Policy
SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor worked in Congress prior to receiving her doctorate from the University of Maryland, and recently joined UVA Batten in the fall of 2025. With professional expertise as a press secretary and speech writer for House and Senate leadership, she will teach the importance of communication in developing public policy solutions, support and long-term success. This course examines theories of policy and political communication, including partisanship, coalition building, and strategic messaging across levels of government. UVA undergrads will get the chance to practice writing op-eds, speeches, press releases, and ads, creating a professional portfolio for their post-graduate careers.
4. LPPP 3559: The Soldier, The Citizen & The State
As the 28th Under Secretary of the Air Force with more than 20 years of experience in U.S. defense strategy, policy, and national security affairs, Melissa Dalton is no stranger to the delicate relationship between a democracy and the military that serves it – or to UVA. An ’03 graduate with a B.A. in Foreign Affairs, Dalton returns to Grounds to teach this brand-new offering. She will lead undergraduate students in an exploration of the intersection of US military and democratic institutions, including topics such as conscription, “coup proofing,” limits on political speech, civilian control, and extremism.
And don’t forget to check out UVA Batten’s short courses and clinics! These offerings are a way to earn one to two credits over a short timeframe in interesting subjects like data wrangling in Excel or public speaking, often focused on practical skill development.
For a complete list of UVA Batten’s fall courses, you can check Stellic, SIS, or Hoo’s List for the most up-to-date information. Non-Batten students can register for any class that shows as “open.” If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the UVA Batten Office of Admissions at BattenAdmissions@virginia.edu!
