PPAC 501 - Political Economy and Economic Analysis In Public Policy Development

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In this course, students learn the basic economic tools and microeconomic models relevant to current policy and public sector choices, including the role of government in a market-oriented economy, with an emphasis on market failures. Students learn about public goods, externalities, competition versus monopoly, opportunity cost, economic efficiency, and equity. This course focuses on political and economic factors impinging on the policy process, the current environment within vital areas of policy, and the role of key policy players (government and nonprofit agencies, community organizations/coalitions, etc.) in policy formation. Case studies are used, as well as policy alternatives and recommendations to broaden students’ policy analysis skills and understanding of how discriminatory policy creates systemic and structural inequalities.