Time Schedule:
William M. Zumeta
PPM 510
Seattle Campus
Reviews public policy analysis and evaluation building on prior study of microeconomics, policy processes, research design, and statistics. Covers theoretical and interdisciplinary frameworks and applications of empirical methods to policy problems and solutions, and considers regularities in incidence, and effects of the use of alternative policy tools. Offered: S.
Class description
As indicated in the official description the course builds on students' backgrounds in several disciplines and methods, along with their policy area interests, to explore and apply key theoretical frameworks and empirical methods for public policy analysis and evaluation. It also provides perspectives on "policy tools" available to governments and other actors for effectuating public policies and conditions affecting their use and effectiveness.
Student learning goals
They will understand the major contemporary intellectual schools of approach to public policy analysis and their relationship to the social science disciplines and philosophy.
They will understand the unique niche of PhD level public policy scholars and understand a good deal about the utilization of policy research and analysis in policymaking processes.
They will be able to apply advanced research methods to problems of policy analysis and evaluation in their policy area of interest.
General method of instruction
Seminar discussion with modest amounts of lecture on particular topics.
Recommended preparation
Graduate level preparation in microeconomics, public policy processes and institutions, research design and statistics.
Class assignments and grading
Written and oral critiques of relevant articles; preparation of a design for a policy-oriented research project that could lead to a proposal for funding or, once executed, a publishable paper.
Determined by student performance on the above assignments plus well-prepared participation in class discussions. The research design project will get the largest weight.
