B2025 - CURRENT PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to build the ability to analyze in a critical and professional way current social and economic issues that are relevant for public policy, using the tools of economic analysis and considering the political aspects involved. Through an in-depth discussion of selected current issues and applying, among the others, the conceptual tools developed during the first year of the program, students learn (i) how to structure an economic analysis of a particular public policy issue, (ii) how to perform the analysis, (iii) how to write a policy report or briefing, and (iv) how to summarize and present it both orally (without support) and in a presentation (with support), in order to convey effectively such analysis is a non-technical way to the policy maker or to public executives.

Course contents

• Analysis and Discussion of Current Public Policy Issues: The selection of topics may change annually, depending on the evolving economic and political landscape and the emergence of new issues.
• Policy Making Process Management: Regardless of the specific topics, students will develop the ability to manage the entire process: framing, implementing, and presenting a policy report or brief.
• Writing an Effective Policy Report/Brief: Techniques and strategies for crafting clear and compelling policy documents.
• Effective Presentation of the Policy Report/Brief: How to persuasively and professionally present the findings of the report/brief.
• Oral Briefing to a Policymaker: Skills for orally communicating with policymakers, summarizing, and conveying policy analysis clearly and concisely.

Readings/Bibliography

The readings and bibliography include a variety of non-academic and academic articles covering current social and economic issues relevant to public policy. Additionally, students will receive materials on using statistical analysis tools, such as Stata and Excel, as well as guidance on how to write effective policy reports. There will also be resources to help develop effective public speaking and presentation skills, ensuring students can professionally present their findings.

Teaching methods

• Lectures: In-depth presentations and discussions on relevant topics.
• Home Assignments: Exercises and tasks to reinforce learning outside of class.
• Simulations: Practical exercises mimicking real-world policy-making scenarios.
• Videos of Public Conferences: Viewing and analyzing recordings of public policy discussions and conferences.
• Tutorials: Step-by-step guidance on specific skills and tools.

Students will initially analyze already published reports/briefs to identify common aspects and main limitations. Subsequently, students will work in groups on different policy issues. Each group will be responsible for the entire process of producing and presenting an effective policy report/brief, including selecting the best data, performing the analysis, and presenting their findings.

Assessment methods

• Group Projects: Evaluation based on the quality and thoroughness of the policy reports/briefs produced by student groups.
• Presentations: Assessment of the effectiveness and professionalism of the presentations delivered by student groups.
• Simulations: Grading of students' performance in practical exercises mimicking real-world policy-making scenarios.

Grading Scale:
<18: Fail
18-23: Sufficient
24-27: Good
28-29: Very Good
30: Excellent
30 cum laude: Outstanding

Teaching tools

A combination of slides, research articles, policy reports, lecture notes, example exercises, and videos of both successful and unsuccessful presentations will be used to enhance the learning experience. All teaching materials will be available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Tommaso Sonno