In this class, we discuss the ways in which economic policy affects economic agents (individuals, households, and firms) as well as the impact that policy can have on macroeconomic issues such as (un)employment, growth, and inequality. The instructor will lecture on key concepts for the first portion of the class. In later weeks, students will do thorough research on and present findings regarding the goals, implementation, and outcomes of particular economic policies. The policies on which we will focus will be selected as a group in the first two weeks of the class.

The main outcome of this course is that students will be able to understand and analyze current economic policies in an informed and critical way. They will learn about how policy is implemented, and what the consequences of some existing policies have been -- both intended and unintended.

Attendance is mandatory. Students may miss one meeting without penalty; each additional missed class results in the loss of 8 points. Attendance and participation are mandatory whether the class meets in person (standard) or online (in cases of illness).

The instructor will lecture several times at the beginning of the semester to teach key information. Later, student groups will conduct thorough research on an agreed-upon economic policy and teach their findings to their classmates. There will be ample time (and the expectation of) critical discussion.

Each week, students will read an academic paper relating to the policy being discussed. They will write response papers on these academic papers.

The grade for this class comprises the main research paper and presentation; short quizzes at the end of every section; and two response papers.

•    Group research paper - 25
•     Group presentation - 25
•     Response papers - 15 each
•     Weekly quizzes – 20

Attendance on the first day of class is mandatory. If a registered student does not attend, his/her space will be given to a student on the waiting list.

Regular attendance at class meetings is mandatory. Students can miss one meeting without penalty. Each missed class after that will result in a loss of 8 points.

It is expected that students have already completed the course "Economic Policy" ("Wirtschaftspolitik").

Office hours will be held by appointment only.

alyssa.schneebaum@wu.ac.at