Introduction to Public Policy Analysis

Catalog description

Introduction to the analysis of public policy within its organizational and political contexts, including an emphasis on an economic perspective. P ADM 507 Introduction to Public Policy Analysis (3) The course is an introduction to the field of policy analysis that focuses on the process of public policy formulation, implementation, and modification. Basic principles of microeconomics are used to examine public policy-making. Students will review basic economic and microeconomic principles, theories, and models, with an emphasis on justification for government intervention. Students will understand the process of policy analysis, including problem formulation, selection of criteria, comparison of alternatives, political and organizational constraints, and implementation and evaluation. The course will be offered once per year and is projected to enroll about 20 students per section.Course Objectives: a) to understand the economic rationale for government action b) to understand the economic component of policy analysis c) to understand government failure, such as inefficient pork-barrel decision-making and excessive bureaucratic red tape d) to understand better the practice of policy analysis e) to understand the stages of the policy process f) to understand the economic and political context in which policy analysis takes place