A fundamental principle of good governance is making decisions based on sound reasoning and good information. In this course we will develop the skill of analyzing public policies in a structured way using systematic logic and empirical evidence. Good policy analysis applies abstract theories in a practical way that generates insights useful to decision makers. 

This course is based on two major themes of public policy and administration. The first is the concepts and process of public policy analysis, defined as “Client-oriented advice relevant to public decisions and informed by social values”. The second major theme is analytical methodology, including prospective tools and retrospective models used to make inferences about the likely or actual impacts of policies.