Economics of Global Public Policy
Instructor Name
Tinghua Yu
Instructor Biography:
Dr Tinghua Yu is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in Economics at Birkbeck, University of London and a Senior Visiting Fellow at LSE. She received her PhD in Political Science from Columbia University. Prior to her appointment at Birkbeck, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the LSE School of Public Policy. She uses mixed methods to address issues at the heart of social and public policy, such as gender, social mobility and quality of public policy. Her research has appeared in leading journals including Explorations in Economic History, Journal of Political Institution and Political Economy, Political Science Research and Methods, and Journal of Theoretical Politics. Her ongoing research assesses how gender norms shape and are shaped by men's and women's reactions to changes in their economic and social environment. This research agenda has been supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and a Global Incubator Seed Grant from the McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University.
Course Description
This course explores the intricate relationship between economics and global public policy. In today's interconnected world, public policies can have far-reaching economic implications, and economics often shape the development of these policies. This course will give you the foundation in economics principles that you need to confidently engage with economists and policymakers on global policy issues.
In this course, you will examine the role of markets in the economy and explore how government policy can affect their performance. We will discuss how markets can achieve various economic goals, why they sometimes fail to do so, and what government interventions can be used to improve market outcomes. By understanding these fundamental economic principles, you will be better equipped to critically evaluate and contribute to discussions on global public policy issues.
Whether you aspire to work in government, international organizations, non-profits, or the private sector, this course will provide a strong foundation in understanding the complex interplay between economics and global public policy, enabling you to contribute meaningfully to the development and evaluation of policies in our interconnected world.
Course Schedule
Ten Session Topics
Social Interactions and Economic Outcomes
Public Policy for Fairness and efficiency
Institutions and Economic Outcomes
Doing economics: Collecting and Analyzing Data
Markets and Government Interventions
Market Failure and Government Interventions
Asymmetric Information and Government Interventions
Doing economics: Measuring Key Concepts in Public Policy
Inequality and Public Policy
Globalization and Public Policy
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Gain a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between economics and public policy.
Acquire a solid foundation in fundamental economic principles that underpin public policy
Demonstrate the ability to apply economic concepts to analyze and interpret the implications of public policies.
Apply analytical skills to recognize the limitations of markets and assess the need for corrective measures.
Understand the diverse public policy goals that societies may pursue and the trade-offs involved in the pursuit of these goals.
Develop the confidence to engage in informed discussions with economists and policymakers on global policy issues.
Demonstrate effective communication of economic principles and their relevance to public policy.
Enhance critical thinking skills through the application of economic principles to real-world global policy issues.
Apply acquired economic knowledge to real-world scenarios, demonstrating the ability to translate theory into practical insights.
