Time Schedule:
Maureen A. Pirog
PB AF 513
Seattle Campus
Production and use of analysis to support public policy decisions. Defining problems, devising alternative solutions, clarifying stakes in choices, predicting impacts of choices. Skills developed by working on specific policy problems. Assumes familiarity with statistics, microeconomic theory, and institutions and processes of American government. Prerequisite: PB AF 516 or permission of instructor.
Class description
This class covers various approaches, tools and techniques of public policy analysis. The emphasis is on learning approaches to problem solving that will serve you well throughout your career.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Homework: There will be five homework assignments. You will be required to complete each homework assignment individually or in groups. There are correct answers to the homework assignments. Homework assignments will be distributed in class and are due at the beginning of the next class period. You may choose to complete homework assignments individually or in groups. If you work in a group, you should turn ONE set of answers but list the names of all group members. Each homework assignment is worth 9 points for a total of 45 points. Class Participation: You are expected to complete all reading assignments BEFORE class and be prepared to discuss what you have read and be able to answer specific questions. I will call on students during class. Class participation is based both on the quality of questions asked, discussion as well as your ability to answer specific questions. Class participation is worth 15 points. Test: There will be one inâclass exam. It is worth 20 points. Class Project: Each student must use one of the tools of policy analysis discussed during the course to define a policy problem, collect the relevant data, select a methodology and solve the problem. You must document the problem and list the sources of your data. Your project is due in class on May 25th. These assignments should be no more than five single spaced pages in length, not including any computer output. This assignment is worth 20 points.
