The course aims to show how economic analysis can guide the formulation and evaluation of public policy. The course should appeal to a range of people, including those in, or wishing to pursue careers in, public policy whether as economists or not, and those just with an interest in public policy issues. It is important to have an analytical mind-set. For those with a good background in economics, some of the material will be familiar.
Poster sessions: students are required to develop a poster on a public policy issue of their choice. Students should identify a public policy challenge. It can be a big broad issue (eg, combating climate change, regulating financial markets, increasing growth...) or something very narrow (preventing disposal of waste by rural roads, protecting children from dangerous dogs…). It is entirely up to you. Having identified the policy issue, the poster should set out some background explaining the nature of the problem, and identify and evaluate some policy options.
A poster may be one or two A3 sheets. These will be fixed to the class wall, and, in the second week, time will be set aside for the class to read the posters and discuss them in small groups and in a very informal way. The poster is an opportunity for students to focus on an issue of interest to them and share with their peers, perhaps drawn from their workplace, study or country of origin. You may develop a poster with no more than one other student.
Coursework: The course is short and intensive. To help you manage pressures on your time and enjoy the full Cambridge experience, you are recommended to make preparations for the poster before the course. That means thinking about what policy issue you would like to address (perhaps you can come with a few options), and what references and data you will need.
For those choosing to be evaluated, one option is to write your essay on a topic related to your poster. In this case, the title of your essay must be agreed with your tutor and you will be expected to demonstrate and apply the tools of economics you study in the course. The option provides a further opportunity to focus your studies, work on a topic of your choice, and manage the pressures on your time.
Teaching methods: This course employs a range of learning methods, and many request students actively engage in the class in different ways. Learning methods include traditional lecturing often supported by PowerPoint slides led by the lecturer providing information, explaining concepts and presenting data (for example, for the first half of the class). But they also involve interactive discussions involving the lecturer and students raising and responding to questions typically within or at the end of lectures, and exercises to be completed in groups of students or as individuals, in and out of the class.
