This page contains notes for PPOL 8640, Economic Analysis of Public Policy I. As Fall 2021 was the first time I taught this course, the notes have not been fully proofread, so please be aware that there may be errors . If you believe there is an error, please let me know.
Syllabus and Math Notes
Algebra (graphing, solving systems of equations, logs and exponents)
Foundational Economic Concepts
Policy Goals, Analysis, and Market Failures
Policy Tools
International Trade (Tariffs and Quotas)
Assignments
Assignment 1 Due Sept. 13
Assignment 2 Due Sept. 27
Assignment 3 Due Nov. 15
Assignment 4 Due Dec. 6
Policy Modeling Project Parts 1 (due October 25th) and 2 (due November 29th)
Calendar
- August 23rd – Introduction to course, supply and demand
- August 30th – Model of consumer choice
- September 6th – Firms and profit maximization
- September 13th – Risk and uncertainty/Policy goals
- September 20th – Policy goals/Cost-Benefit analysis
- September 27th – Cost-Benefit Analysis and review for exam
- October 4th – Test 1
- October 11th – Fall Break, no class meeting
- October 18th – Market failures, begin taxes
- October 25th – Taxes
- November 1st – Price controls, begin international trade
- November 8th – International trade, antitrust regulation
- November 15th – Antitrust regulation, begin mechanism design
- November 22nd – No class meeting
- November 29th – Principal-agent problem, auctions
- December 6th – Matching, Voting, review for exam
- December 13th – Test 2