How to Change the World: Science of Policymaking in International Policy and Development

So you want to make the world a better place, but how? So much policy fails. So many good intentions go awry. Why? What makes for good policy? What makes it bad? This is a class on the social science of policy-making---the lessons from economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology, plus the practical experiences of practitioners. We will focus on policy-making in a global context, especially international policy and development. While we will look at international organizations, the focus is on national and local development strategies and domestic policymakers and institutions. This is also a course about learning to read and write well. Readings each week will be heavy and difficult, but rewarding. There will be also weekly writing assignments  that involve critical reviews of books, papers, and ideas.

There are no requirements for the class. Any Masters student or advanced undergraduate is welcome to join the class. A class on economic development is recommended.