This course considers various aspects of economic policy against the background of global and domestic challenges. It covers normative and political arguments regarding the role of government. Equipped with the tools to understand how the ends of economic policy are defined, students receive an introduction into the tools governments employ to achieve these ends. Then, the course proceeds with an analysis of how current challenges, including demographic change, globalisation, the rise of inequality and COVID-19, shape the scope of economic policy and the employment of its means.

In addition to a thorough understanding of current issues in economic policy, students will: 

• Improve their debating skills
• Train writing effective briefings to support decision-making, by presenting complex information in an accessible and well-structured way
• Learn to effectively read academic publications in economic policy and engage in policy analysis (comparative approach, literature based)
• Use scientific evidence to support arguments

The course is based on compulsory attendance. Students may miss two sessions. This holds for digital and in-person teaching alike. Attendance in the first session is mandatory. Students who are absent during the first session without providing notice in advance and stating their intentions to participate in the course will be signed out.

Teaching methods include lecturing, interactive tasks and discussion in class, written assignments and Oxford-style debates on specific policies.

Leistungen

• Compiling a policy-memo as a take-home exercise (40%)
• Oxford-style debate with handout (30%)
• Approximately fortnightly assignments (30%)

Grading

• Distinction (Sehr gut): 88% -100%
• Merit (Gut): 76% - 87%
• Pass - satisfactory (Befriedigend): 64% - 75%
• Pass - sufficient (Genügend): 51% - 63%
• Fail (Nicht genügend): 0 - 50%

If you have a valid registration for the lecture, but will not participate, please deregister during the registration period of LPIS. Your place will be available for other students.

During the registration period, free places are filled according to the “first-come, first-served” principle. After the end of the registration period, the number of places is increased and students on the waiting list will be registered for the lecture based on their progress in their studies.

Attendance in the first session is necessary, absence without valid excuse will lead to deregistration! Any remaining places in the classes will be allocated to students attending the first session according to the waiting list. No places will be allocated by email or by phone.

Registration for the lecture cannot be guaranteed. Any student dropping out of the course who has already submitted a gradable task will receive a negative grade.

severin.rapp@wu.ac.at