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
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.