Choices, Models, and Morals

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
POLI 3010
Course ID icon
Course ID
201057
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

Good public policy should be fair, effective, and rational. But these attributes are all conceptually contentious. In this course, we approach policy design and evaluation from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on: theoretical explanations of social phenomena and the nature of economic models; the role of rationality in economic models (rational choice theory, game theory); causal models and their role in public policy; the idea and reality of evidence-based policy; the nature of welfare and welfare economics; markets and morals; inequality, fairness, and distributive justice. The emphasis is on conceptual issues accessible to all PPE students.

Course learning outcomes

  • Understand and describe the main controversies around rational choice theory and evidence-based policy
  • Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical approaches to public policy from philosophy, politics, and economics, through oral and written argument
  • Identify relevant contemporary policy challenges and demonstrate the ability to apply public policy theory to a specific policy proposal
  • Explain and evaluate selected proposed foundations for successful policy development, through extended written argument

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A