Economic Analysis for Public Policy

Public policy decisions profoundly affect economic outcomes, yet the arguments supporting them are often complex and conflicting. This course provides the foundational economic toolkit needed to look past the rhetoric and assess policy effectiveness objectively. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to read, understand, and critically evaluate the economic rationale behind major government policies, from taxation and regulation to social safety nets and environmental protection. What you'll learn: * Learn foundational microeconomic principles, including market failure, externalities, and the economics of public goods, which justify government intervention. * Understand how core macroeconomic indicators and models influence fiscal and monetary policy formulation and debate. * Apply structured policy evaluation frameworks, including basic cost-benefit analysis, to measure the net impact of proposed policies. * Analyze the crucial trade-offs between economic efficiency and social equity when designing and implementing policies. * Master interpreting basic economic evidence and data used to support or challenge policy claims in areas like health, climate, and labor markets. The course begins by establishing essential economic definitions and models, progressing through the rationales for intervention, and culminating in practical methods for assessing policy impacts and outcomes. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in policy, government, or economics. No prior knowledge of economic theory or statistics is required. Start reading and analyzing the economics of public policy with confidence.