Public Policy (Princeton School of Public and International Affairs)

Courses 511 and 512 provide systematic exposition of principles and techniques of economic theory most useful in analyzing economic aspects of public affairs. The courses are divided into separate sections according to a student's previous experience with economics and his or her level of mathematical sophistication. The basic level assumes a fluency in high school algebra and a basic knowledge of calculus concepts, while the advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus and some previous exposure to economics. Courses 511b and 511c are offered fall 2000. Courses 512b and 512c are offered spring 2001.

Courses 511 and 512 provide systematic exposition of principles and techniques of economic theory most useful in analyzing economic aspects of public affairs. The courses are divided into separate sections according to a student's previous experience with economics and his or her level of mathematical sophistication. The basic level assumes a fluency in high school algebra and a basic knowledge of calculus concepts, while the advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus and some previous exposure to economics. Courses 511b and 511c are offered fall 2000. Courses 512b and 512c are offered spring 2001.

Courses 511 and 512 provide systematic exposition of principles and techniques of economic theory most useful in analyzing economic aspects of public affairs. The courses are divided into separate sections according to a student's previous experience with economics and his or her level of mathematical sophistication. The basic level assumes a fluency in high school algebra and a basic knowledge of calculus concepts, while the advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus and some previous exposure to economics. Courses 511b and 511c are offered fall 2000. Courses 512b and 512c are offered spring 2001.

Course explores ways to judge the efficacy of policies and programs, to assess the benefits and costs of policy or program changes, to develop and implement research-based program improvement strategies, and to use program accountability systems for evaluation purposes. Students study a wide range of research tools, read and discuss a wide range of evaluation papers and reports, and complete an applied evaluation project. Pre-req:WWS507b/c or instr. permission.

Introduces evaluation using advanced quantitative techniques. Explores ways to develop and implement research-based program improvement strategies and accountability systems; judges effects of policies and programs; assesses benefits and costs of changes. Uses domestic and international examples. Introduces a range of evaluation tools and designs by applying tools empirically with Stata, using data from several large-scale impact evaluations. Pre-reqs: 507c & 508c or instructor's permission.

Examines the principles of negotiation in organizational settings and provides firsthand experience in simulated negotiations. Theoretical and empirical research on the variables that affect success in negotiations is discussed. Students engage in a series of bargaining exercises between individuals and teams, and results are analyzed in detail by the class. Course is taught in two versions, 519a for MPA's, 519b for MPP's.

An introduction to the political analysis of policy making in the American setting. The course includes theoretical and empirical analyses of political institutions, including executives, legislatures, and bureaucracies. It also examines the political environment in which these institutions operate, with special attention given to the role of public opinion, interest groups, and elections.

A series of major issues of policy designed to illustrate and develop skills in particularly important applications of microeconomics. Topics include education and training, the minimum wage, mandated benefits, affirmative action, the theory of public goods and externalities, and the basic theory of taxation. Prerequisite: 511b.

Employs the methods of microeconomics, industrial organization and law, and economics to study circumstances where market failures warrant government intervention with policies implemented through the law or regulatory agencies. Topics include antitrust policy toward business practices and vertical and horizontal combinations; policy approaches toward R&D and intellectual property; reliance on tort law, disclosure law, and regulatory standards to mitigate information and externality problems pertaining to health, safety, and performance risks; and the implications for pricing, entry, and investment of different forms of public utility reg

An extension of 512c, the course covers economic growth, the roles of R&D, education, and institutions in long-run development, fiscal and monetary policy in the long run, unemployment, short-run fiscal and monetary policy, economic fluctuations, the budget, and the statu of the US economy. Course aims to show how modern theoretical and quantitative methods can be useful in analyzing macroeconomic policy issues. Focus is on a series of specific topics of current policy interest. Prerequisite: 512c.

Analyses government involvement when there are "market failures." Topics include: externalities, with applications to policies that alleviate congestion and reduce environmental damage; natural monopolies, with applications to telecommunications infrastructure and electricity regulation and pricing; efficiency and equity aspects of excise and income taxes; and alternative social security structures and reform proposals in the U.S. and other countries.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy are discussed.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy. Fall term courses are numbered 527; spring term courses are numbered 528.

Various issues concerning domestic public policy.

Course uses the lens of history to evaluate why some individuals are considered most effective as elected, bureaucratic, and appointed officials in American history. Course evaluates social scientific models of leadership, then delves into the historical record to discover any patterns. Careful consideration is given to the distinct challenges posed by different institutional settings. A wide range of influential leaders, including Gifford Pinchot at the Dept of Agriculture, Lyndon Johnson in the Senate, Wilbur Cohen at the Social Security Administration and George Schultz at State, will be examined.

Patterns of political behavior impinging on American national policy, with special attention given to the changing role of the presidency. The course examines the post-Franklin Roosevelt "presidential institution" and evaluates the organization and decision-making procedures of each presidency.

Introduces planning theory, history, and practice. Examines urban, suburban, and regional planning processes, emphasizing the United States and Europe. Analyzes alternative planning models, issues such as ethics and social justice, and the diverse roles of public and private sector planners.

Urban and metropolitan agglomerations, including land-use structure and the integration of employment, housing, transportation, and service activity are examined. Emphasis is on public policy and planning remedies for structural problems of cities and suburbs.

Introduces a set of quantitative tools that are widely used in urban and regional planning practice. The focus is on the development of an operational understanding of techniques for applied decision analysis and modeling of demographic change, regional economic systems, land use and facility location, and infrastructure systems.