Master of Public Policy

1603610

Advanced Introduction to Public Policy: Issues, Concepts, Methods and Solutions

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

As an advanced introduction suitable for first year MPP students, this course provides an in-depth exploration of the four fundamental realms and dimensions of Public Policy studies: major theories and conceptual frameworks; key methodological approaches to policy analysis and design; major issues and trends in public policy problems in challenging environments; and approaches to finding evidenced-informed solutions for effective practice of public policy. Students will examine foundational concepts and methods of the public policy cycle, such as problem recognition and analysis; policy formulation, design and instrumentation; implementation and public management; policy diffusion; and policy evaluation. The course will combine theoretical and methodological discussions with case studies and real-world examples to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and policy expertise. Upon completing the course, students are expected to be equipped with the skills of Autonomy and Responsibility, Role in Context, and Self-Development.

1603612

Micro- and Macro-economics for Public Policy Design

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides students with a solid foundation of micro- and macroeconomic theory as applicable to public policy, especially policy design. Key concepts of efficiency, cost-benefit analysis, analysis of market failure, and economics of policy interventions are introduced and discussed using real-world scenarios and cases. The course provides the analytical toolkit needed for practical public policy design, implementation, and analysis. Students will learn foundational concepts in public policy analysis, decision analysis, and public management by applying modeling skills. The course surveys topics from across an extensive body of analytical literature and teaches relevant mathematical and modeling issues; microeconomic concepts such as supply and demand, utility theory, production theory, market institutions; macroeconomics as a framework for policy problems at a national or international scale such as on inflation, growth, interest rates, and why they are essential to the public sector; concepts and theories to emerging topics in Public Economics, Behavioral Economics, Environmental Economics, and International Political Economy.

1603614

Advanced Policy Analysis and Data Analytics

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

In today’s complex world, policy analysis for effective public policy far exceeds data collection, regressions, or optimization models. It also includes policy problem recognition, foresight capabilities, data analytics, modeling and scenario development, ensuring agility and adaptiveness in policymaking, policy prioritization tools, social choice econometrics, addressing uncertainties, role conflict mediation, alternative futures development, and more. The course is designed to equip students with the principles, skills, tools, and approaches that will help them in carrying out all of these tasks to effectively address existing, new, and novel policy problems. The course will improve understanding of how public policies are actually developed, analyzed, and implemented, and how policy analysis and data analytics can play in improving this process. Examples used will be based on real-world cases.

1603616

Advanced Research Methods for Public Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

The course provides students with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to be able to understand, design, and carry out methodologically rigorous social and economic sciences research projects in the field of public policy. Students will be equipped with a broad range of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods and skillsets that are relevant for the study of public policy, policy analysis, program evaluation, and evidence-informed decision making. This course also serves as a foundation for the research dissertation (thesis) component of the MPP Degree. By the end of the course, students should therefore have completed a comprehensive research proposal and ethics (IRB) application.

1603618

Ethics, Law and Public Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course enables students to gain a systematic and in-depth understanding about the ways in which moral, socio-cultural, and political values as well as ethical and legal norms and standards interact with one another in the creation, shaping, implementation, analysis, and assessment of Public Policy within diverse societal and institutional contexts. Key texts from the ethics, practical philosophy, political theory, and applied law literature provide the foundation for a systematic exploration of the nexus between ethical, principled policymaking, rule of law, and good governance. Using case study analysis and guest lectures, the course sheds light on how public officials and managers at different levels of institutional governance are affected by this nexus and what types of implications this has for society at large.

1603640

Experiential Learning Module (Field Practicum with a Client)

3 credits

Prerequisite:

Second Year

Description:

This Experiential Learning Module serves as a capstone internship for second-year MPP students, designed to merge academic theory with practical application in the field of public policy. Without traditional classroom sessions, this module emphasizes hands-on, real-world experiences within a partner organization. Students engage in a significant policy project, applying their cumulative knowledge and skills to analyze, develop, and advocate for effective policy solutions. Supervised by faculty with relevant expertise and in collaboration with organizational stakeholders, students produce a comprehensive Capstone Policy Brief, defending it in an oral examination to meet the program's requirements.

1603620

Global Political Economy for MPP Students

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides a profound understanding of the genesis, current issues, and future scenarios of the global political economy (GPE) in the MPP context. In a globalized and interdependent world, politics and economics permanently interact and intersect with one another, creating tensions and power dynamics that affect public policy across sectors and levels of intervention. Major theoretical frameworks of GPE and their application to public policy design, implementation, and analysis will be complemented by empirical analysis of selected case studies. The course will discuss the respective roles of states and government actors, international organizations, markets and corporations, and civil society actors. Furthermore, the roles of formal and informal institutions, of governance, of knowledge and social learning, and of norms, values, and ethical considerations will be discussed. Special emphasis will be put on current and emerging questions of sustainability, development, and social justice in the context of the global economy.

1603622

Comparative Public Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides an advanced introduction into the field, methodology, problems, and applications of comparative public policy (CPP). The course compares public policy along several dimensions: (a) cross-sectoral comparisons (e.g., social policy compared to environmental policy and/or economic policy), (b) cross-country and regional comparisons (e.g., the same policy field as it is addressed in Qatar vs. the UAE vs. the United States; or Europe vs. North America or the MENA region), and (c) cross-system comparisons (e.g., developed vs. developing states, federal vs. unitary political systems). Major theoretical and methodological frameworks used in comparative public policy and their application for public policy design, instrumentation, implementation, evaluation, and analysis will be complemented by empirical analysis of selected case studies. The course will discuss the respective roles of government as well as civil society actors in a comparative perspective. Furthermore, the roles of evidenced-based decision making and ethical and social choices will be discussed. Students will analyze and understand the way in which context shapes policy dynamics and outcomes in a complex and globalized policy environment.

1603624

Environmental, Climate, and Energy Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides an advanced and integrated understanding of major themes, topics, issues, challenges and opportunities in sustainability and climate policy, with special attention to the complex and sometimes conflicting interactions with other policy fields (e.g., economic, fiscal, commercial, legal, and/or technological). The course is nested within the broader frameworks of sustainable development, social-ecological and community resilience, and energy transitions. National, regional, and global perspectives on these issues as well as the interactions and interdependencies across these scales will be explored, as will the connections with climate change. Major theoretical and methodological frameworks and their application for public policy design, instrumentation, implementation, evaluation and analysis will be complemented by empirical analysis of selected case studies. The course will discuss the respective roles of government as well as business and other civil society actors in a governance perspective. Furthermore, the roles of evidenced-based decision-making and ethical and social choices will be discussed.

1603626

UAE Health Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course delves into the intricate landscape of health policy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It covers a broad range of topics from the specific challenges and opportunities in the UAE's healthcare system, the nuanced process of health policy development, to the implications of these policies on healthcare access, affordability, and quality. Students will engage in critical evaluations of existing health policies, discovering potential areas for reform and innovation within the unique socio-political context of the UAE. The course intends to foster students' research and analytical skills and nurture their capabilities for autonomy, responsibility, role contextualization, and self-development.

1603628

Advanced Perspectives on Law and Public Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course enables students to explore and discuss the deep connection between law and public policy and assess the impact that judicial decisions have on the shaping and creation of public policy. The course also closely analyses the role of administrative agencies in the creation and execution of law and public policy, conflicts between the various branches of government; and conflicts between and among national and sub-national bodies.

1603630

Urban Development and Planning

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course in urban planning delves into advanced theories, methodologies, and practices in the field of urban planning. It explores complex urban challenges, such as sustainable development, social equity, transportation, and governance, with a focus on developing innovative and evidence-based solutions. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain a deep understanding of urban planning theories, policy frameworks, and analytical tools. The course emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and the integration of spatial, social, and environmental factors in urban planning processes. Upon completing the course, students are expected to be equipped with the skills of Autonomy and Responsibility, Role in context, and Self-development.

1603632

Regional Economic Development

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

The course aims to inculcate the analytical and critical skills relevant to regional economic development and the policy approaches available to achieve that end. It provides both a broad theoretical foundation as well topic-specific examination of the various components of economic development, ranging from poverty and inequality, urbanisation and demography, human capital, and much else besides.

1603634

Social Development Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of social development policies and their impact on society. It examines theoretical frameworks, policy formulation, implementation strategies, and evaluation methods in the context of social development. Students will analyze current challenges and debates in social policy and explore innovative approaches to address social inequalities and promote social well-being. The course integrates theoretical perspectives with practical case studies to enhance critical thinking and policy analysis skills. Upon completing the course, students are expected to be equipped with the skills of Autonomy and Responsibility, Role in context, and Self-development.

1603636

Gender and Public Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the intersection of gender and public policy. It explores the role of gender in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation across various sectors and contexts. The course analyzes key theories, frameworks, and methodologies in gender and public policy, and assesses critically the impact of policies on gender equality and social justice. Students will engage in critical discussions, case studies, and policy analysis exercises, to enhance their understanding of gender-responsive policymaking and develop skills to promote gender equality through policy interventions.

1603638

Public Health Management and Leadership

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This course provides students with the advanced public health management and leadership knowledge. The course also introduces students to applications and methodological approaches in healthcare management including concepts, principles, and functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The overall goal of the course is to prepare students to increase their effectiveness in managing and leading individuals and teams in public health and health care organizations.

1603650

Selected Topics in Public Policy

3 credits

Prerequisite:

None

Description:

This graduate-level course provides with a thorough selection of key topics from the professional field and academic discipline of Public Policy in the context of government and policy studies, including select key concepts, methods, analytical tools, current issues, and applications in the real world. The course includes case-based analysis of the policy cycle, including problem definition and agenda setting, policy formulation, design and instrumentation, implementation, policy analysis, and policy program evaluation. Major policy subfields will be mentioned, however, based on case study analysis, sustainable development policy and the global political economy aspects thereof will be highlighted. The epistemological lens is that of multi-level governance and development studies, looking at public policy in a local, domestic, regional, and global perspective, as it relates to IR and policy organizations.