The American Public Policy System (syllabus)

PPOL 4100 / 4 credits / Fall Quarter
Instructor: Robert Fusfeld, JD
This course establishes a solid foundation for subsequent study of public policy by focusing on three specific foundational areas: (1) an intensive examination of the inputs of the policy process, including social values, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, legislation and regulations, and events; (2) an assessment of a variety of policymaking models; (3) an overview of the chief policymaking eras in American history.

Analytical and Critical Skills  (syllabus)
PPOL 4400 / 4 credits / Fall Quarter
Instructor: Lapo Salucci, Ph.D. 
Provides the tools to analyze competing (and often ideological) points of view using empirical techniques and statistical inference as a key to creating better public policy based on evidence. Case studies are drawn from the current legislative and regulatory environment and provide opportunities to construct a course of action based on the use of logically consistent arguments and on the persuasive use of facts and empirical data.

Microeconomics for Public Policy Analysis (Quantitative Sequence 1/3) (syllabus)
PPOL 4200 / 4 credits / Winter Quarter
Instructor: Andy Sharma, Ph.D. 
Builds upon intermediate-level microeconomic theory to develop the skills of microeconomic modeling as an analytical tool for public policy. Issues addressed include: the allocation of scarce resources; consumer choice; the theory of the firm; the form and consequences of market failure; and the role of government. This course introduces the concepts of efficiency and equity in the context of positive and normative economic analysis through the study of government subsidies, labor markets, taxation, welfare, public goods and market regulation.

Quantitative Methods for Public Policy Analysis (Quantitative Sequence 2/3)
PPOL 4300 / 4 credits / Spring Quarter
Instructor: Andy Sharma, Ph.D. 
This course provides an introduction to the mathematical and statistical methods that are applied in subsequent courses, with an emphasis on learning techniques. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, estimation, inference and hypothesis testing, variable analysis and correlation, regression theory, reliability and validity, and prediction and simulation.

Cost-Benefit Analysis (Quantitative Sequence 3/3)
PPOL 4500 / 4 credits / Fall Quarter
Instructor: Andy Sharma, Ph.D. 
Focuses on cost-benefit analysis, a primary tool of the public policy analyst, as a basis for policy formulation and program evaluation. Taught through case studies involving tax expenditures; government mandates; health and safety regulation; government investments, such as those in education, environmental quality and law enforcement; regulation of financial industries; regulation of such conventional industries as automotives, food, drugs, and high technology.

Public Management and Budgeting
PPOL 4700 / 4 credits / Spring Quarter
Instructor: Alexis Senger
This course provides an introduction to issues in Public Management, including organizational structure and design; foundations of strategic action; development of strategic plans; performance-based management; process and operations management; government contracting; privatization; accountability; public choice; and public-private partnerships. "Public Management and Budgeting" also provides an introduction to public sector budgeting, covering such topics as balance sheets, revenues, the budget cycle, accounting principles, borrowing, and government investment.

Regulatory Policy and Process (syllabus)
PPOL 4600 / 4 credits / Spring Quarter
Instructor: Richard A. Caldwell, M.A., J.D.
This course opens with a brief exploration of the economic, jurisprudential, and constitutional foundations of regulatory policy and the administrative process. Key topics include regulation by legislation versus regulation by agency action; agency rule-making versus agency adjudication; executive versus independent agencies; and deregulation versus self-regulation. Emphasis is placed on the competing roles of government and non-governmental stakeholders.