Postgraduate Courses
PPOL
Public Policy
- PPOL 5110Foundation in Public Policy[3-0-0:3]Co-list withSOSC 5780Exclusion(s)SOSC 5780DescriptionThis course is required for all first-year MPhil/PhD students in Public Policy. The course will provide an advanced foundation in the study and practice of public policy at the level required for graduate study. The course will cover both the historic foundations of policy studies, as well as emerging approaches and directions. As the study of public policy is inherently interdisciplinary, it will include perspectives from political science, public policy, economics, business and other aspects of social science. It will take a broad view of public policy, including taking up some of the core literature on public management and public administration.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate solid fundamental knowledge on how public policies are developed, approved and implemented.
- 2.Apply a public policy perspective to evaluate and compare core literature and current issues on public management and public administration.
- 3.Apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to public research studies.
- 4.Develop holistic perspectives including political science, public policy, economics, business and other aspects of social science.
- PPOL 5120Research Methods in Public Policy[3-0-0:3]Co-list withSOSC 5790Exclusion(s)SOSC 5790DescriptionThis course is required for all first-year MPhil/PhD students in Public Policy. The purposes of the course are to introduce to students the key concepts in research methods, and to help them develop skills in the design of empirical research used in the analysis of policy problems. The course aims to train students to be able to apply various research designs in conducting rigorous policy research in their chosen fields, as well as develop the ability to critically evaluate policy research products. A specific emphasis will be on the use of quasi-experimental designs in policy research, as well as on their potentials and limitations.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the logic of policy research on causal relationship.
- 2.Demonstrate solid knowledge on key research designs for generalized causal inference and their potentials and limitations.
- 3.Design and develop a research proposal on a given research topic in their chosen fields.
- 4.Apply practical experiences and techniques in conducting qualitative analysis.
- PPOL 5130Microeconomics and Public Policy[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course covers Microeconomic core modules concerning consumer, firm, and market with emphasis on public policy application. A policy topic follows each module enquires students to apply economic model to analyze real world cases and evaluate policies.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply economic reasoning to the analysis of selected contemporary economic problems.
- 2.Compare and exemplify how individual, business and government interact in various market structures to determine pricing and quantity of goods and services produced and consumed.
- 3.Analyze the efficiency and equity implications of government interference in markets.
- 4.Apply economic problem solving skills to evaluate the opportunities and challenges of the increasing globalization of the world economy.
- PPOL 5190Policy Analysis and Design for Sustainable Development[3-0-0:3]Co-list withSOSC 5770Exclusion(s)SOSC 5770BackgroundPrevious study of sustainable development and/or public policy at an undergraduate level; or professional experience in these areasDescriptionSustainable development problems pose some of the greatest challenges for policy makers around the world, and effective policy design requires analysts with strong subject matter understanding, creativity, and the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives and approaches. The goal of this course is to advance students' abilities to apply tools and methods, including analytical techniques and presentation skills, which are required for effective policy analysis and decision making in this area. Coursework in the course will be largely case based, and topical issues will be presented and mastered alongside different analytical skills and techniques.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Differentiate and use different core sustainability concepts.
- 2.Choose and use appropriate analytical methodologies for policy design and analysis.
- 3.Effectively communicate sustainable development policy recommendations to diverse audiences.
- 4.Critically assess and use different forms of knowledge in the development of effective sustainable development policy proposals.
- 5.Design policy to be effective in the complex adaptive systems typical of sustainable development problems.
- 6.Articulate the value of complex adaptive systems (human-environment systems) perspectives in their analysis of policy problems.
- PPOL 6000Independent Study[1-3 credit(s)]DescriptionIndependent study in a designated subject under direct guidance of a faculty member to provide students the advanced knowledge and research skill sets on a public policy topic. Required readings, tutorial discussions, and submission of report(s) will be used for assessment. The course may be repeated for credit if different topics are studied. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Appreciate the importance of global and regional public policy development.
- 2.Communicate complex ideas in professional and other settings.
- 3.Explain the core ideas and concepts of public policy impacts.
- 4.Identify the different levels of organization and structure within public policy.
- 5.Analyze the efficiency and equity implications of government interference in various markets/stakeholders.
- PPOL 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchDescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct a research proposal on science/technology-based public policy research in their chosen fields.
- PPOL 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchDescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct a research proposal on science/technology-based public policy research in their chosen fields.