ECON 431 - Economics of Public Policy

By taking this course, students will learn to interpret and conduct technical economic analysis of public policies. Students will apply their knowledge of micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics to study the economics of controversial and important policies. Sample policy areas might include climate change, health care, anti-poverty programs, income inequality and redistribution, public transit, urban redevelopment, immigration, education, and minimum or living-wage laws. While the course usually focuses on examples from the United States, it presents tools and frameworks that are applicable in any context. The course grade will be based on group and individual presentations and policy briefs, homework (including coding, data manipulation, and statistical estimation), and a review of the economic literature on a policy chosen by the student . This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 432. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371, and ECON 381. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Every year. (4 Credits)