Fall 2010 Graduate Courses
Faculty Bios: You can view bios for many WWS faculty in the WWS faculty directory. Please note, not all faculty have bios posted and faculty who will be teaching at WWS for the first time may not yet be listed.
Blackboard: All WWS courses have a Blackboard course web site. You can access these sites by going to the Blackboard login page and searching for the course you would like to access, or you can click on the course titles below which will take you directly to the specific course site after logging in.
WWS Graduate Course Syllabi: WWS Graduate course syllabi which are available to date are posted here.
Course Descriptions
WWS 501 The Politics of Public Policy
Charles M. Cameron, James I. Gadsden, Grigore Pop-Eleches, Cesar Zucco
An analysis of the forces that shape the behavior of public organizations and individuals in organizational settings. The emphasis is on the workings of U.S. governmental agencies. Special attention is given to writing skills as they apply to the roles of advisers and decision makers in public-sector organizations.
WWS 507B Quantitative Analysis
Adam Shrager
Data analysis techniques, stressing application to public policy. The course includes measurement, descriptive statistics, data collection, probability, exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression, correlation, and graphical procedures. Some training is offered in the use of computers. No previous training in statistics is required. The course is divided into separate sections according to the student's level of mathematical sophistication. The basic level assumes a fluency in high school algebra as a minimum, while the advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus.
WWS 507C Quantitative Analysis: Advanced
Mark W. Watson
Data analysis techniques, stressing application to public policy. The course includes measurement, descriptive statistics, data collection, probability, exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression, correlation, and graphical procedures. Some training is offered in the use of computers. No previous training in statistics is required. The course is divided into separate sections according to the student's level of mathematical sophistication. The advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus.
WWS 509/ECO 509 Generalized Linear Statistical Models
Germán Rodriguez
The analysis of survey data using generalized linear statistical models. The course begins with a review of linear models for continuous responses and then considers logistic regression models for binary data and log-linear models for count data, including rates and contingency tables and hazard models for duration data. Attention is given to the logical and mathematical foundations of the techniques, but the main emphasis is on the applications, including computer usage.
WWS 511B Microeconomic Analysis: Basic
Christina H. Paxson
Course develops an understanding of basic microeconomic tools. Emphasis is placed on how these tools can be used for policy analysis. Students need not have taken any other economics courses, but should have a good command of algebra and be familiar with basic calculus concepts, although proficiency in calculus is not necessary.
WWS 511CMicroeconomic Analysis: Advanced
Jan K. De Loecker
This course is an introduction to the use of microeconomics for the analysis of public policy on an advanced level. The emphasis is on both the intuitive and formal logic of economic principles, a deeper perspective on the impacts of typical policy measures, and an introduction to the use of professional microeconomic tools to assess and weigh these policy impacts. One goal is to move students towards the ability to read professional microeconomic literature with appreciation of both its contributions and foibles.
WWS 511D Microeconomics Analysis (Accelerated)
Amy B. Craft
Course covers many key concepts from microeconomic theory, including consumer and producer theory, competitive markets, market power, information and contracts. Emphasis of the course is on developing a formal, model-based treatment of these subjects and applying them to various relevant policy issues. The course is intended for those students who are already familiar with microeconomic concepts (at the level of 511c) and have an appropriate level of mathematical proficiency, including knowledge of multivariate calculus (including constrained optimization), basic probability, and some familiarity with linear algebra.
WWS 515C Program and Policy Evaluation
Deborah N. Peikes, Lorenzo Moreno, Christopher A. Trenholm
Introduces evaluation using advanced quantitative techniques. Explores ways to develop and implement research-based program improvement strategies and accountability systems; judges effects of policies and programs; assesses benefits and costs of changes. Uses domestic and international examples. Introduces a range of evaluation tools and designs by applying tools empirically with Stata, using data from several large-scale impact evaluations.
WWS 516A/SOC 518 Topics in Law and Public Policy: The Rule of Law
Kim Lane Scheppele
Considers role of law in gov't: When is a state constrained by law & when it may legitimately change/ignore the law? Use a range of materials from fiction to court cases, legal theory to political history, etc. Proceed by negative example, considering cases from the US: Lincoln's conduct during Civil War, Roosevelt's economic emergency, the Cold War, Nixonian exceptionalism, "war on terror" after 9/11. Also consider comparative examples: Russian Revolution, the collapse of the Weimar constitution, the breaks from communism in the "revolutions" of 1989 & beyond. Also Nuremberg Trials & Kosovar War.
WWS 519A/PSY 528A Negotiation:Theory & Practice
Frank P. Vargas
Examines the principles of negotiation in organizational settings and provides firsthand experience in simulated negotiations. Theoretical and empirical research on the variables that affect success in negotiations is discussed. Students engage in a series of bargaining exercises between individuals and teams, and results are analyzed in detail by the class.
WWS 519B/PSY 528B Negotiation:Theory & Practice
Frank P. Vargas
Examines the principles of negotiation in organizational settings and provides firsthand experience in simulated negotiations. Theoretical and empirical research on the variables that affect success in negotiations is discussed. Students engage in a series of bargaining exercises between individuals and teams, and results are analyzed in detail by the class.
WWS 523 Legal & Regulatory Policy Toward Markets
Robert D. Willig
This course employs the methods of microeconomics, industrial organization and law and economics to study where market failures warrant gov't intervention with policies implemented through the law or regulatory agencies. Topics include antitrust policy toward business practices and vertical and horizontal combinations; policy approaches toward R&D and intellectual property; reliance on tort law, disclosure law, and regulatory standards to mitigate information and externality problems pertaining to health, safety, and performance risks; and the implications for pricing, entry, and investment of different forms of public utility regulation.
WWS 524 Adv Macroeconomic:Domestic Policy Issues
Alan S. Blinder
An extension of 512c, the course covers specific topics such as economic growth, political institutions and policy choices, the welfare state and redistribution, unemployment, regulation and corruption, the behavior of asset markets, the economics of happiness, monetary policy, the budget and state of the US economy. A central aim of the course is to show how modern theoretical and quantitative methods can be useful in analyzing important macroeconomic policy issues.
WWS 527B Topics in Domestic Policy Analysis: Race, Poverty and Public Policy
Hillard Pouncy
This course explores new perspectives that may help policymakers determine when race is a useful poverty policy design element and when it is not. Whether it is racially targeted or not, is the policy robust, rather than marginal, in its effect on both poverty and racial difference? Does it match its target group's self-perception of what is wrong and what is to be done? We also introduce a concept we term `racial group ideology' and we consider its usefulness for policy design. The course will cover TANF, child support enforcement, wage growth and income support, family structure, education and housing.
WWS 533 Planning Theory and Process
Shlomo Angel
Introduction to the theory and practice of planning. Analysis and discussion are devoted to planning models, planning decisions, and alternative planning roles. Focused study of comprehensive and strategic planning, community participation, new urbanism concepts, equity concerns, and planning at local, regional, and state levels.
WWS 537 Social Organization of Cities
Douglas S. Massey
A review of the historical emergence and social evolution of cities and urban life. Course presents current theories regarding the ecological and social structure of urban areas, and how urban social organization affects the behavior and well-being of human beings who live and work in cities.
WWS 541 International Politics
G. John Ikenberry
This course introduces competing theories of international relations and evaluates their explanation of foreign policy decisions and general patterns in international relations over the last century. Broadly covering security policy and international political economy, topics include the causes of war, the role of international organizations to promote cooperation, and the interaction between domestic actors and governments in negotiations on trade and the environment.
WWS 544 International Macroeconomics
Oleg Itskhoki
Issues in open economy macroeconomics and international finance. Topics include an exchange rate determination and dynamics, macroeconomic policy under fixed and floating exchange rates, current account behavior, exchange rate management and international policy coordination, and the history of the international monetary system. Special attention is given to the analysis of exchange rate crises. Prerequisite: 512c.
WWS 549 National Security Policy
Aaron L. Friedberg
Examines the changing meaning of "national security" and the various policies and institutions through which states may seek to enhance it. Emphasis is on the formation and implementation of national security policy by the U.S. government.
WWS 555D Topics in International Relations: Defense Policy Analysis
Michael E. O'Hanlon
Covers types of analytical frameworks for evaluating military issues. Methodologies range from simple quantitative methods for understanding combat to structured use of military history to defense budget calculations to simple assessments of military tech. Address 7 topics: terrorism, modern air-ground warfare; infantry combat including guerrilla war, peace enforcement, urban warfare, mountain & jungle warfare; missile battle/missile defense; military transport, supply, logistics; effects & implications of weapons of mass destruction; budgetary & econ. issues in defense planning; military tech., future of warfare.
WWS 561/POL 523 Comparative Political Economy of Develop
Atul Kohli
Analysis of political change and the operation of political institutions in the development process, with emphasis on the interaction of political and economic factors. Various definitions and theories of political development are examined and tested against different economic, ethnic, geographic, and social contexts.
WWS 568/POP 502 Econ. of Health in Developing Countries
Jeffrey S. Hammer
Examines health care policy formulation focusing on developing countries. Theory and practical lessons on how policy is, or isn't, translated into programs. Global epidemiological threats to the infrastructure and financial stability of health care systems will be studied, in addition to: 1) how alternative health care finance and reform strategies facilitate or create barriers to achieving policy objectives; and 2) explores the role of governments, WHO, NGOs, and donor agencies in setting the agenda for health policy.
WWS 571A Topics in Development: Making Schools Effective
Marlaine E. Lockheed
This course is designed to help students understand what lessons for improving schools in developing countries can be gleaned from the empirical literature. First, it will review the evidence regarding the quality of education in developing countries. Second, it will consider various models of school effectiveness, and will examine the evidence related to the impact of various school inputs, including teacher quality and school management, on student learning. Finally, it will examine the evidence linking control of schools, including parent and community participation, with better student learning outcomes.
WWS 571B/NES 584 Topics in Development: Muslim Politics in India, Iran, Pakistan & Indonesia: Mirjam Künkler, Christophe O. Jaffrelot
The course offers an analysis of Muslim politics in India, Pakistan, Iran and Indonesia since the colonial era. It highlights the nexus between state- and nation-building processes and Islam. How have Islamic movements and elites shaped local struggles for self-determination and subsequent normative debates about the state and political order? How have independent states accommodated, regulated and managed religion? And how have religious politics in turn shaped prospects for democratization in Pakistan and Iran, and challenges to democratic consolidation in India and Indonesia?
WWS 581C Topics in Economics: Energy Economics
Amy B. Craft
Examines the economics behind many issues related to energy use, including the investment and use of renewable and non-renewable resources, energy conservation, deregulation of energy markets, transportation, and energy independence. Current policy options will be discussed.
WWS 585B/MAE 580Topics in STEP: Living in a Greenhouse: Technology & Policy
Robert H. Socolow
A focus primarily on the challenge of modifying the global energy system to reduce projected carbon dioxide emissions. Students pursue both science/technology and policy in each of five two-week units: 1)underlying carbon cycle science, ways the world has organized to learn more & to communicate results; 2) Energy efficiency, patterns of demand, lifestyles, energy & poverty; 3) Fossil fuels, abundance & depletion, energy security; 4) Carbon capture & storage, policies enabling commercialization, risk assessment; 5) Non-carbon energy in its two forms, nuclear power & renewable energy. Final two weeks are devoted to student reports.
WWS 590A Economic Perspectives on Inequality
Alicia Adsera
Economics is centrally concerned with models of human capital development, educational attainment, labor market dynamics, unemployment, labor turnover, job duration, wage setting institutions, the role of unions, human capital formation, the relationship between economic status and other aspects of well-being (including health). Economists are essential partners in the behavioral study of preferences and decision making, mobility and redistribution, and the institutions of industrial relations that govern the labor market.
WWS 590D Psychological Studies of Inequality
Susan T. Fiske
Two major areas of psychology make important contributions to the study of social policy and inequality . The first is social psychology, which focuses on inter-group relations, interpersonal perception, stereotyping, racism, aggression, justice and fairness. These are the micro-level building blocks of structural inequalities and processes that are shaped by the larger context of race, ethnic and gender relations. The second domain involves the fields of social-cognition, judgment and decision making , areas of research that study human information processing in a way that is not about individual differences, and often not social.
WWS 591A Policy Workshop: A Planning Framework for Vieques
Thomas K. Wright, Robert N. Lane
This workshop will help prepare a master plan for Vieques by scoping out the critical issues that need to be addressed, preparing the residents for the kinds of decisions they will need to make, providing a framework for making the trade-offs between development/conservation, private investment/public facilities. Topics to be addressed will include housing, conservation, infrastructure, economic development, and community design. Special emphasis will be given to addressing the social issues that result from 60 years of military presence & preserving Vieques¿ fragile habitats. Would be sponsored by Municipality of Vieques.
WWS 591B Policy Workshops: Macroeconomic Policies in Developing Countries
Iqbal M. Zaidi
This workshop will consider the design and implementation of macroeconomic policies in developing countries. We will evaluate the pros and cons of discretion in designing and implementing fiscal policy, including an analysis of a variety of approaches¿fiscal rules, fiscal responsibility laws, and fiscal councils¿that have the potential to improve the incentives for policymakers to use discretion responsibly and reduce deficit bias. Increasingly countries are adopting explicit inflation targets (IT), and we will focus in particular on the IT framework.
WWS 591C Policy Workshop: Support for the Clinton-Bush Fund for Haiti
Juan José Daboub
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund is focused on the long-term reconstruction of Haiti, with particular emphasis on fostering economic opportunity. This workshop will provide advice to the Fund as it develops a strategy for job creation, long-term investments in human capital & economic growth. While the Fund sees its primary role as a grant maker, it wants to explore leveraging funds from other investors in new ways, including program-related investments, loans and equity. Possible research for the workshop: support for microenterprises, economic decentralization and enhancing Haiti's economic integration into the region.
WWS 591D Policy Workshop: US Policy toward Pariahs (Syria, Iran & Non-State Actors)
Daniel C. Kurtzer
The workshop examines policy options for the US in dealing with Middle East states and non-state actors which have been labeled pariahs, rogues, and Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Specifically, we will look at Syria, Iran, Sudan, Hezbollah and Hamas. It will examine the behavior, goals and practices of the states and non-state actors; and will consider the range of possible American policy responses, such as rhetoric, sanctions, diplomatic engagement, and the threat/use of force (military and counter-terrorism). The workshop will also look at literature dealing with these issues, including the new US approach toward counterinsurgency.
WWS 591E Policy Workshop: Post-Copenhagen Climate Change Initiatives
Denise L. Mauzerall
Explores options available to U.S. government to reduce global climate forcing on relatively rapid timescales. Options may include regulatory measures or technology deployment initiatives that involve domestic action alone or require int'l coordination. A report which considers options will be prepared. Efforts to distinguish between actions for which federal agencies already have authority, & those Congress would need to grant new authority will be made. Ways to monitor & evaluate policy effectiveness will be explored. Clients are the Dept of Energy, Office of Policy & Int'l Affairs, and the EPA, Office of Int'l Affairs.
WWS 591F Policy Workshop: Plutonium & Radioactive Waste Politics in East Asia
Frank N. von Hippel
How Japan, South Korea and China manage their spent fuel may determine the future of proliferation in East Asia. Japan reprocesses, giving it easy access to plutonium. It argues that reprocessing provides an off-site destination for the spent fuel accumulating on its reactor sites. South Korea argues that it should have the same rights as Japan to reprocess. China also is moving toward reprocessing. Workshop members are charged with assessing the options for dealing with South Korea’s demand; whether Japan’s new government might reconsider its reprocessing policy; and whether China can be persuaded not to commit to reprocessing.
WWS 591G Policy Workshop: Urban Food Systems
Xenia K. Morin
This workshop will use case studies, academic literature, and site visits to study urban food systems. Health, environmental, and socio-economic indicators, as well as opportunities for collaboration and community building, will be used to evaluate current and future food systems. We will also focus on the role of private and public sector actors in creating urban food systems and inherent system vulnerabilities. During fall break, students will travel to three regions to learn about urban food systems. The workshop will formulate policy recommendations for our client, the Childhood Obesity Team at RWJ Foundation (RWJF).
WWS 591H Policy Workshop: Vaccine Development for Global Needs
Adel A. Mahmoud
This workshop will address two questions:1) the global vaccination gap that results in death of approximately 3 million children annually from vaccine preventable diseases, 2) examination of a case study of the new Merck-Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratory as an approach to bridging the gap between discovery research and development of vaccine candidates needed in the developing world. The workshop will examine the global burden of disease due to infectious diseases, the available prevention and control tools and the prospects for new models to assist developing countries in their effort to combat the spread of infection.
WWS 593A Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Higher Education Reform
Daniel M. Oppenheimer
This course will review the current landscape of higher education, including accountability, affordability, access, transparency, efficiency, quality and diversity. Discussion topics will be framed by the financial pressures imposed by the recent recession which has led to rethinking about the goals and nature of higher education. It will examine long standing higher education practices (e.g. accreditation) and newer initiatives and attempt to develop coherent post-secondary education policy for the upcoming decades.
WWS 593B/POP 504B Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights: James Trussell
Examines selected topics in reproductive health, with primary emphasis on contemporary domestic issues in the United States--such as unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infection--but within the context of the international agenda on reproductive rights established in the 1994 Cairo international Conference on Population and development.
WWS 593C Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Diplomacy, Development & Conflict (Sess I) Robert M. Perito
An examination of the Current Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), which is intended to identify policy priorities for the State Department & USAID and potential organizational changes necessary to address these challenges, and the USIP and U.S. Army Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI), which have produced a framework that identifies 'end states' which are required to achieve transition to security, good governance & economic prosperity.
WWS 593D Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Managing Elections in Fragile States
Jeffrey W. Fischer
An introduction to the policies and practices associated with conducting elections in fragile states and develop an understanding of their impacts on electoral outcomes. In fragile political and security environments, electoral policy and practice take on an enhanced importance because of the consequences of state failure which could result from a flawed election. Focuses on: Role of International Community; Election Management Bodies; Electoral & Party Systems; Marginalized Electorates, Victims and Spoilers; Electoral Conflict, Security, & Justice; Electoral Observation & Evaluation.
WWS 593E Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Surveys, Polls and Public Policy
Edward P. Freeland
Course aims to improve students' abilities to understand and critically evaluate public opinion polls and surveys, particularly as they are used to influence public policy. Course begins with an overview of contrasting perspectives on the role of public opinion in politics, then examines the evolution of public opinion polling in the US and other countries. Class visits a major polling operation to get a firsthand look at procedures used for designing representative samples and conducting surveys by telephone, mail and Internet.
WWS 593F Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Microfinance
Katharine W. McKee, Nathanael Goldberg
The course addresses the development challenges facing financial service providers, funders, and government policy makers seeking to expand access in sustainable ways. It will provide participants with an overview of the field, current controversies, and analytic frameworks and skills for assessing the roles of different stakeholders.
WWS 593I Policy Analysis: Selected Topics (Half-T: The Federal Budget
James H. Klumpner
This course will cover how the Federal budget process is supposed to work and how it actually does work. Topics will include: (1) institutions, processes, and definitions; (2) history of budget outcomes; (3) the current state of the Federal budget process; (4) the role of uncertainty in budgeting; (4) the role of politics in budgeting; and (5) the budget's short- and long-term fiscal consequences.
WWS 593J Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): State and Local Finance
Richard F. Keevey
Examines budgeting and finance at the state and local level of government. Topics include: budget structure and process; decision makers within the political and economic environment; debt, capital planning and bond financing; revenue structures supporting expenditures. Tax policy and associated tradeoffs between tax equity and efficiency and spending and program needs are also examined. Two case studies are utilized---one related to state and local tax policy and one related to budgetary decision-making.
WWS 593K Policy Analysis: Selected Topics (Half-T: Game Theory and Strategy
Sylvain Chassang
This course is an introduction to the basic tools of game theory. In particular we will study solution concepts such as Nash Equilibrium, Subgame Perfect Equilibrium, and Perfect Bayesian Equilibrium. To illustrate the analytic value of these tools we will cover a number of applications including electoral competition, public good provision, market failures and reputation formation.
WWS 593L Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Behavioral Economics
Roland J. Benabou
This course will explore how economics has recently incorporated a number of insights and findings from psychology and experiments, and examine some of the implications that follow for the workings of markets and policy. Topics will include: 1) Imperfect self-control, present bias; 2) Fairness and reciprocity; 3) Intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, signaling concerns; 4) Wishful thinking, overconfidence, anticipation; 5) Reference dependence, loss aversion, prospect theory, framing; 6) Malleable preferences, hedonic forecasting; 7) Bounded rationality, inattention. Prerequisites: WWS511c or d; WWS512c; WWS593k.
WWS 593M Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Affordable Housing
David N. Kinsey
Examines the policy and practice of developing income-restricted affordable housing in the United States (new and rehabilitated, single-family and multi-family, for sale and rental) by the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
WWS 593N Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): GIS for Public Policy
Tsering W. Shawa, William G. Guthe
This course is designed as a practical introduction to the use of computer mapping (Geographic Information systems) for policy analysis and decision-making. Students learn ArcGIS through examples of map applications. Students are expected to complete exercises and a final project applying GIS to a policy issue.
WWS 593O/POP 504O Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Health and Aging
Noreen J. Goldman
An overview of the epidemiologic transition, reviewing historic and current health patterns, and examines the demographic forces that have led to rapid aging of populations worldwide. After consideration of how researchers measure health status in older populations, the course examines inequalities in health by gender, race and socioeconomic status. The final part of the course considers the potential impact of threats to future improvements in life expectancy and focuses on teh social, health and economic consequences of societal aging, primarily in high-income countries.
WWS 597 The Political Economy of Health Systems
Uwe E. Reinhardt
This course explores the professed and unspoken goals nations pursue with their health systems and the alternative economic and administrative structures different nations use to pursue those goals. The emphasis in the course will be on the industrialized world, although some time can be allocated later in the course to approaches used in the developing countries, if students in the course desire it.
WWS 599/POP 506 PhD Seminar: Research Ethics and Scientific Integrity
Elizabeth M. Armstrong
Examines the ethical issues arising in the context of scientific research. Evaluates the role and responsibilities of professional researchers in dealing with plagiarism, fraud, conflict over authorial credit, and ownership of data. In addition, it undertakes a broader inquiry into conceptions of professional integrity, and the responsibilities that scientists have to their research subjects, to their students and apprentices, as well as to society at large.