PLCY 870 Introduction to Economic Policy

This course requires students to research the basic contours of academic research in economic policy. Students will work with their faculty member to understand the scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in this cognate. This research will serve as a stepping-stone to conducting a comprehensive literature review for their dissertation and provide the needed context to ensure that the student’s chosen dissertation topic is focused and appropriate.

This course helps prepare the student for a deep review of economic thought and policy, including the theoretical foundations for economic policy of various schools. This will occur in a broader historical context so that, as the student begins to develop a research emphasis for his or her dissertation, the student will have the proper context for doing so.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

There are lectures/videos in each module.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 700-750 words and incorporate at least 5 scholarly sources. In addition to the thread, the student must reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250-300 words and include at least 2 scholarly sources. Each thread and reply must follow current APA format.

Essay Assignments (8)

These essay assignments require the student to answer questions about the Read items while also citing the Read items and 3-5 additional scholarly sources. Each essay assignment must be a minimum of 5 pages of content (max. pages vary by assignment) and double-spaced in current APA format.

Short Research Paper Assignments (3)

The student will conduct significant research and discussion on possible dissertation topics related to economic theory and policy. Each paper must be 8-10 pages of content, double-spaced, in current APA format and must include citations from relevant readings and an additional 10-15 scholarly sources.

Final Research Paper Assignment

The student will submit a final 10-12 page paper in current APA format analyzing their final, chosen research paper topic. This may be a derivative of one of the 3 topics from one of the three short research papers, or it may be a modified topic. The paper must cite 15 scholarly sources and all required readings.