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PUBLPOL 3: Democracy and Disagreement (PHIL 3, POLISCI 31, RELIGST 23X)

Each class will be focused on a different topic and have guest speakers. This class will be open to students, faculty and staff to attend and also be recorded. Deep disagreement pervades our democracy, from arguments over immigration, gun control, abortion, and the Middle East crisis, to the function of elite higher education and the value of free speech itself. Loud voices drown out discussion. Open-mindedness and humility seem in short supply among politicians and citizens alike. Yet constructive disagreement is an essential feature of a democratic society. This class explores and models respectful, civil disagreement. Each week features scholars who disagree - sometimes quite strongly - about major policy issues. Students will have the opportunity to probe those disagreements, understand why they persist, and to improve their own understanding of the facts and values that underlie them.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 4 times (up to 4 units total)
Instructors: ; Brest, P. (PI); Satz, D. (PI)

PUBLPOL 73: Energy Policy in California and the West (CEE 263G, ENERGY 73, POLISCI 73)

This seminar provides an in-depth analysis of the role of California state agencies and Western energy organizations in driving energy policy development, technology innovation, and market structures, in California, the West and internationally. The course covers three areas: 1) roles and responsibilities of key state agencies and Western energy organizations; 2) current and evolving energy and climate policies; and 3) development of the 21st century electricity system in California and the West. The seminar will also provide students a guideline of what to expect in professional working environment.
Terms: Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 2 times (up to 2 units total)

PUBLPOL 100: Hoover Institution National Security Affairs Fellows Mentorship Program

This course is designed to give Stanford undergraduates an introduction to civil-military relations, leadership development, and operational aspects of American foreign policy. Admitted undergraduates will be mentored by a distinguished leader from the Air Force, Army, CIA, Coast Guard, FBI, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, or State Department for the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters of the 2023-24 academic year. Participation in all three quarters is required. These military leaders, diplomats, and intelligence professionals are part of the Hoover Institution's National Security Affairs Fellows program. The scheduled class time will be used for group activities, lectures from the National Security Affairs Fellows on their experiences in the U.S. government, small group meetings with mentees and mentors, and special sessions with senior American foreign policy leaders. At the end of each quarter, students write short reflection papers. No expertise in international affairs is necessary to apply and all majors are welcome. Selection is based on academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, and interest in international affairs. The program is directed by Dr. Amy Zegart. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to hoovernsaf@stanford.edu by September 6, 2023.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 3 times (up to 3 units total)
Instructors: ; Zegart, A. (PI)

PUBLPOL 103F: Ethics of Truth in a Post-Truth World (PUBLPOL 203F)

This course will explore changing notions of truth in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are blurring the boundaries of humanity and boring through traditional notions of nation states, institutions, and human identity. It will also offer a parallel journey to consider truth in your own life and how truth contributes to your own resilience in the face of life challenges. We will ask one over-arching question: Does truth matter anymore? If so, why and how? If not, why not? Either way, how does truth relate to ethical decision-making by individuals and institutions and to an ethical society? How does truth relate to a life well lived? Seven themes will organize our exploration of more specific topics: science and subjectivity; identity; memory; authenticity; artificial intelligence; imagination; and a life well-lived. Examples of topics to be explored include, among others: truth and technology (from ChatGPT to home devices); white supremacy; DNA testing and the 'identify as' movement, and identity; University history (Rhodes, Georgetown slavery, Yale Calhoun College, Junipero Serra...); the connections among truth, memory, and history; new questions in gender and racial identity; Chinese beautifying app Meitu and other social media "truth modifiers"; the sharing economy; the impact of AI and DNA testing sites on legal truth. We will consider how we determine and verify the truth; how we "do" truth; the role of truth in ethical decision-making; the importance of truth to effective ethical policy; and the relationship of the truth to a life well lived. An analytically rigorous short final paper in lieu of exam. This three-credit seminar may be taken as a stand-alone course or may accompany PUBLPOL 134 Ethics on the Edge to fulfill the Public Policy major ethics requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Distinguished Career Institute Fellows are welcome and should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud directly at susanliautaud@googlemail.com. Students wishing to take the course who are unable to sign up within the enrollment limit should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud at susanliautaud@googlemail.com. *Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements and students taking the course for Ways credit must obtain a letter grade. Other students may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC. To satisfy a Ways requirement, this course must be taken for at least 3 units.
Terms: Spr | Units: 2-3 | UG Reqs: WAY-ER

PUBLPOL 105: Empirical Methods in Public Policy (PUBLPOL 205)

Methods of empirical analysis and applications in public policy. Emphasis on causal inference and program evaluation. Public policy applications include health, labor and saving. Assignments include hands-on data analysis, evaluation of existing literature, and a final research project. Objective is to obtain tools to 1) critically evaluate evidence used to make policy decisions and 2) perform empirical analysis to answer questions in public policy. Prerequisite: ECON 102B. Public Policy students must take the course for a letter grade. Priority for enrollment will be given to Public Policy students. Non-Public Policy majors must receive instructor permission to enroll.
Terms: Win, Spr | Units: 4-5 | UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI
Instructors: ; Chee, C. (PI)

PUBLPOL 106: Law and Economics (ECON 154, PUBLPOL 206)

In this course, we explore the role of law in promoting social well-being (happiness). Law, among its other benefits, can serve as a mechanism to harmonize private incentives with cooperative gains, to maintain an equitable division of those gains, and to deter social defection and dystopia. Law is thus an implementation of the social contract and essential to civilization. Economic analysis of law focuses on the welfare-enhancing incentive effects of law (and of law enforcement). More generally, we study the law's role in reducing the risks of cooperation, achieved by fixing expectations of what courts or the state will do in possible futures. Prerequisite: ECON 50 or PUBLPOL 50. Final paper instead of an exam. Instructor consent required for enrollment. Please email the instructor a short statement of interest (300 words max) explaining why you would like to enroll in the course.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4-5 | UG Reqs: WAY-SI
Instructors: ; Vasquez Duque, O. (PI)

PUBLPOL 115: Practical Training

Qualified Public Policy students obtain employment in a relevant research or industrial activity to enhance their professional experience consistent with their degree programs. Prior to enrolling students must get internship approved by the Public Policy Program. At the start of the quarter, students must submit a one page statement showing the relevance of the employment to the degree program along with an offer letter. At the end of the quarter, a three page final report must be supplied documenting work done and relevance to degree program. Meets the requirements for Curricular Practical Training for students on F-1 visas. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Win, Spr | Units: 1-5 | Repeatable for credit

PUBLPOL 119: AI, Autonomy, and the Future of Warfare (INTLPOL 265, PUBLPOL 219)

The introduction of artificial intelligence and autonomy into warfare will have profound and unforeseen consequences for national security and human society. This course prepares future policymakers and industry leaders for the complex debate surrounding the developmental, legal, ethical, and operational considerations of creating machines with the ability to apply lethal force. Students will gain a detailed and multi-perspective understanding of the associated opportunities and risk by lectures and discussions with expert guest speakers and a cohort of students from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. There will be two days of class each week. One day is a lecture session and the other is a discussion session. The lecture session will occasionally have guest lecturers with recent real-world experience in the topic and is intended to expose students to current knowledge and perspectives. The following discussion session will be an opportunity to digest, and reflect on, the ideas from lecture, but will also be a chance for group work on graded assignments. No experience in the content is necessary. Varying perspectives are essential in any conversation on this topic. Undergrads also welcome.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Boyd, B. (PI)

PUBLPOL 124: American Political Institutions in Uncertain Times (POLISCI 120C)

This course examines how the rules that govern elections and the policy process determine political outcomes. It explores the historical forces that have shaped American political institutions, contemporary challenges to governing, and prospects for change. Topics covered include partisan polarization and legislative gridlock, the politicization of the courts, electoral institutions and voting rights, the expansion of presidential power, campaign finance and lobbying, representational biases among elected officials, and the role of political institutions in maintaining the rule of law. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on the strategic interactions between Congress, the presidency, and the courts and the importance of informal norms and political culture. Political Science majors taking this course to fulfill the WIM requirement should enroll in POLISCI 120C.
Terms: Spr | Units: 5 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI

PUBLPOL 125: Public Policy and Sustainability Challenges: Israel and the Middle East (INTLPOL 273, INTNLREL 117, SUSTAIN 233)

During the past century while, the world's population has more than quadrupled and the population in Israel and its neighbors has grown ten-fold. Mounting consumption has produced an ever-increasing demand for consumer goods and natural resources. At the same time, climate change is already adversely affecting countries in the Middle East. These phenomena combine to place unprecedented pressure on the region's ecosystems and resources, producing myriad insults to environmental quality, public health and local ecosystem integrity. The course considers these issues based on the empirical experience of environmental policies implemented over the past forty-years. The final third of the class considers the potential for regional cooperation to produce improved environmental outcomes. Lectures will address a range of topics associated with concepts of carrying capacity, consumption and the impact of high population density on the quality of life and the environment of Israel and its neighbors. The associated potential and limitations of technology, the impact of conflict on the environment and the potential of transboundary cooperation to produce win-win ecological dynamics will also be assessed. Topics considered include, biodiversity, climate change, marine ecosystem protection, water management and environmental justice. The course focuses on the associated policy insights, applying the experience of government interventions for improving the sustainability of life in Israel and the Middle East.
Terms: Spr | Units: 5
Instructors: ; Tal, A. (PI)

PUBLPOL 134: Ethics on the Edge: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Individuals (PUBLPOL 234)

(PUBLPOL 134, PUBLPOL 234 - 3 credits; Ways - ER; Same as LAW 7020) The objective of this course is to explore cutting-edge ethical challenges in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are accelerating faster than our understanding and the law can keep pace. The course also offers a parallel personal journey: an opportunity to explore your own ethics and increase your own resilience when life throws challenges your way. We will unravel the ethics challenges and problem-solve across sectors: business, government, non-profit, and academia. A framework for ethical decision-making underpins the course. However, there is significant space for forming your own views on a wide range of issues. Prominent guest speakers will attend certain sessions interactively. The relationships among ethics and technology, culture, leadership, law, and global risks (AI, synthetic biology, inequality, privacy, financial system meltdown, cyber-terrorism, climate change, diversity and inclusion, etc.) will inform discussion. A broad range of topics might include: designer genetics; civilian space travel; generative AI; the Supreme Court case on University affirmative action; new wearable devices; free speech on University campuses; opioid addiction; corporate and financial sector scandals (Theranos, FTX, currency); and non-profit sector ethics challenges (e.g. medical humanitarian aid in Gaza). Final project in lieu of exam on a topic of student's choice. Attendance required. Class participation important, with multiple opportunities to earn participation credit beyond speaking in class. Strong emphasis on rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and testing ideas in real-world contexts. Note that this course will require one make-up evening session on a Wednesday or Thursday in early May in lieu of the final class session in June. Enrollment will be decided via application, which can be found at https://forms.gle/xw9bPh5wjxPZZcwf6. **The form will open on 3/6 at 5pm and close on 3/13 at 5pm.** The course offers credit toward Public Policy core requirements (if taken in combination with PUBLPOL 103F) and it satisfies the undergraduate Ways of Thinking - ER requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Students taking the course for Ways credit and Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements must obtain a letter grade. Others may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC. Students seeking credit for other majors should consult their departments.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: WAY-ER

PUBLPOL 135: Regional Politics and Decision Making in Silicon Valley and the Greater Bay Area

Dynamics of regional leadership and decision making in Silicon Valley, a complex region composed of 40 cities and four counties without any overarching framework for governance. Formal and informal institutions shaping outcomes in the region. Case studies include transportation, workforce development, housing and land use, and climate change.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4

PUBLPOL 155: Solving Social Problems with Data (COMM 140X, DATASCI 154, EARTHSYS 153, ECON 163, MS&E 134, POLISCI 154, SOC 127)

Introduces students to the interdisciplinary intersection of data science and the social sciences through an in-depth examination of contemporary social problems. Provides a foundational skill set for solving social problems with data including quantitative analysis, modeling approaches from the social sciences and engineering, and coding skills for working directly with big data. Students will also consider the ethical dimensions of working with data and learn strategies for translating quantitative results into actionable policies and recommendations. Lectures will introduce students to the methods of data science and social science and apply these frameworks to critical 21st century challenges, including education & inequality, political polarization, and health equity & algorithmic design in the fall quarter, and social media, climate change, and school choice & segregation in the spring quarter. In-class exercises and problem sets will provide students with the opportunity to use real-world datasets to discover meaningful insights for policymakers and communities. This course is the required gateway course for the new major in Data Science & Social Systems. Preference given to Data Science & Social Systems B.A. majors and prospective majors. Course material and presentation will be at an introductory level. Enrollment and participation in one discussion section is required. Sign up for the discussion section will occur on Canvas at the start of the quarter. Prerequisites: CS106A (required), DATASCI 112 (recommended as pre or corequisite). Limited enrollment. Please complete the interest form here: https://forms.gle/8ui9RPgzxjGxJ9k29. A permission code will be given to admitted students to register for the class.
Terms: Aut, Spr | Units: 5 | UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SI

PUBLPOL 163: Land Use: Planning for Sustainable Cities (AMSTUD 163, EARTHSYS 168, URBANST 163)

Through case studies with a focus on the San Francisco Bay Area, guest speakers, selective readings and interactive assignments, this survey course seeks to demystify the concept of land use for the non-city planner. This introductory course will review the history and trends of land use policies, as well as address a number of current themes to demonstrate the power and importance of land use. Students will explore how urban areas function, how stakeholders influence land use choices, and how land use decisions contribute to positive and negative outcomes. By exploring the contemporary history of land use in the United States, students will learn how land use has been used as a tool for discriminatory practices and NIMBYism. Students will also learn about current land use planning efforts that seek to make cities more sustainable, resilient and equitable to address issues like gentrification, affordable housing, and sea level rise.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI

PUBLPOL 185: Data Science for Environmental Business (ECON 185, SUSTAIN 135, SUSTAIN 235)

Are you interested in clean tech and sustainability? Do you like working with data or plan to manage data scientists? Do you want to find a socially impactful job? If so, Data Science for Environmental Business is for you. Each week, we'll have a guest speaker from a utility, venture capital firm, clean tech startup, renewable energy developer, or some other sustainability-related business. We'll do a quantitative case study of one of the speaker's business problems, such as carbon footprint measurement, supply chain decarbonization, techno-economic analysis, where to site renewable energy facilities, how to value electricity storage, or predicting demand for electric vehicles. Then in the next class, we'll discuss the analytical decisions you made on the case study and the business implications of your results. We aim to draw a mix of students from the GSB, engineering, sustainability, data science, computer science, economics, math, and other fields. Students registering through the GSB should expect a roughly standard MBA class workload. Students registering through non-GSB course numbers should expect a serious data science course where you'll learn and apply new methods. We hope to develop a pipeline of students working for the guest speakers and similar firms. Prerequisites: You must know basic statistics and regression analysis (e.g., ECON 102 or 108, CS 129, EARTHSYS 140, HUMBIO 88, POLISCI 150C, or STATS 60 or 101). You should also have at least some experience with data analysis in R, python, Stata, MATLAB, or something similar. If you plan to take microeconomics (e.g., ECON 1, 50, or 51) or empirical environmental economics (ECON 177), we recommend you take those either beforehand or concurrently.
Terms: Spr | Units: 5

PUBLPOL 197: Junior Honors Seminar (ECON 198)

For juniors (advanced sophomores will be considered) who expect to write an honors thesis in Economics or Public Policy. Weekly sessions go through the process of selecting a research question, finding relevant bibliography, writing a literature review, introduction, and study design, culminating in the write-up of an honors thesis proposal (prospectus) and the oral presentation of each student's research project. Students also interact with potential advisors, and outline a program of study for their senior year. To apply, complete the application at https://economics.stanford.edu/undergraduate/forms.
Terms: Spr | Units: 5
Instructors: ; Clerici-Arias, M. (PI)

PUBLPOL 198: Directed Readings in Public Policy

Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1-5 | Repeatable for credit
Instructors: ; Rodriguez, E. (PI)

PUBLPOL 199: Senior Honors Thesis Research

May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1-15 | Repeatable for credit

PUBLPOL 200C: Senior Practicum

Small student teams conduct policy analyses requested by government and nonprofit organizations. With guidance from the instructor and client organization, each team researches a real-world problem and devises implementable policy recommendations to help address it. The project culminates in a professional report and presentation to the client organization. Cardinal Course certified by the HAAS Center for Public Service. Prerequisites: core courses in Public Policy or consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr | Units: 5

PUBLPOL 203F: Ethics of Truth in a Post-Truth World (PUBLPOL 103F)

This course will explore changing notions of truth in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are blurring the boundaries of humanity and boring through traditional notions of nation states, institutions, and human identity. It will also offer a parallel journey to consider truth in your own life and how truth contributes to your own resilience in the face of life challenges. We will ask one over-arching question: Does truth matter anymore? If so, why and how? If not, why not? Either way, how does truth relate to ethical decision-making by individuals and institutions and to an ethical society? How does truth relate to a life well lived? Seven themes will organize our exploration of more specific topics: science and subjectivity; identity; memory; authenticity; artificial intelligence; imagination; and a life well-lived. Examples of topics to be explored include, among others: truth and technology (from ChatGPT to home devices); white supremacy; DNA testing and the 'identify as' movement, and identity; University history (Rhodes, Georgetown slavery, Yale Calhoun College, Junipero Serra...); the connections among truth, memory, and history; new questions in gender and racial identity; Chinese beautifying app Meitu and other social media "truth modifiers"; the sharing economy; the impact of AI and DNA testing sites on legal truth. We will consider how we determine and verify the truth; how we "do" truth; the role of truth in ethical decision-making; the importance of truth to effective ethical policy; and the relationship of the truth to a life well lived. An analytically rigorous short final paper in lieu of exam. This three-credit seminar may be taken as a stand-alone course or may accompany PUBLPOL 134 Ethics on the Edge to fulfill the Public Policy major ethics requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Distinguished Career Institute Fellows are welcome and should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud directly at susanliautaud@googlemail.com. Students wishing to take the course who are unable to sign up within the enrollment limit should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud at susanliautaud@googlemail.com. *Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements and students taking the course for Ways credit must obtain a letter grade. Other students may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC. To satisfy a Ways requirement, this course must be taken for at least 3 units.
Terms: Spr | Units: 2-3

PUBLPOL 205: Empirical Methods in Public Policy (PUBLPOL 105)

Methods of empirical analysis and applications in public policy. Emphasis on causal inference and program evaluation. Public policy applications include health, labor and saving. Assignments include hands-on data analysis, evaluation of existing literature, and a final research project. Objective is to obtain tools to 1) critically evaluate evidence used to make policy decisions and 2) perform empirical analysis to answer questions in public policy. Prerequisite: ECON 102B. Public Policy students must take the course for a letter grade. Priority for enrollment will be given to Public Policy students. Non-Public Policy majors must receive instructor permission to enroll.
Terms: Win, Spr | Units: 4-5
Instructors: ; Chee, C. (PI)

PUBLPOL 206: Law and Economics (ECON 154, PUBLPOL 106)

In this course, we explore the role of law in promoting social well-being (happiness). Law, among its other benefits, can serve as a mechanism to harmonize private incentives with cooperative gains, to maintain an equitable division of those gains, and to deter social defection and dystopia. Law is thus an implementation of the social contract and essential to civilization. Economic analysis of law focuses on the welfare-enhancing incentive effects of law (and of law enforcement). More generally, we study the law's role in reducing the risks of cooperation, achieved by fixing expectations of what courts or the state will do in possible futures. Prerequisite: ECON 50 or PUBLPOL 50. Final paper instead of an exam. Instructor consent required for enrollment. Please email the instructor a short statement of interest (300 words max) explaining why you would like to enroll in the course.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4-5
Instructors: ; Vasquez Duque, O. (PI)

PUBLPOL 219: AI, Autonomy, and the Future of Warfare (INTLPOL 265, PUBLPOL 119)

The introduction of artificial intelligence and autonomy into warfare will have profound and unforeseen consequences for national security and human society. This course prepares future policymakers and industry leaders for the complex debate surrounding the developmental, legal, ethical, and operational considerations of creating machines with the ability to apply lethal force. Students will gain a detailed and multi-perspective understanding of the associated opportunities and risk by lectures and discussions with expert guest speakers and a cohort of students from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. There will be two days of class each week. One day is a lecture session and the other is a discussion session. The lecture session will occasionally have guest lecturers with recent real-world experience in the topic and is intended to expose students to current knowledge and perspectives. The following discussion session will be an opportunity to digest, and reflect on, the ideas from lecture, but will also be a chance for group work on graded assignments. No experience in the content is necessary. Varying perspectives are essential in any conversation on this topic. Undergrads also welcome.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Boyd, B. (PI)

PUBLPOL 234: Ethics on the Edge: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Individuals (PUBLPOL 134)

(PUBLPOL 134, PUBLPOL 234 - 3 credits; Ways - ER; Same as LAW 7020) The objective of this course is to explore cutting-edge ethical challenges in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are accelerating faster than our understanding and the law can keep pace. The course also offers a parallel personal journey: an opportunity to explore your own ethics and increase your own resilience when life throws challenges your way. We will unravel the ethics challenges and problem-solve across sectors: business, government, non-profit, and academia. A framework for ethical decision-making underpins the course. However, there is significant space for forming your own views on a wide range of issues. Prominent guest speakers will attend certain sessions interactively. The relationships among ethics and technology, culture, leadership, law, and global risks (AI, synthetic biology, inequality, privacy, financial system meltdown, cyber-terrorism, climate change, diversity and inclusion, etc.) will inform discussion. A broad range of topics might include: designer genetics; civilian space travel; generative AI; the Supreme Court case on University affirmative action; new wearable devices; free speech on University campuses; opioid addiction; corporate and financial sector scandals (Theranos, FTX, currency); and non-profit sector ethics challenges (e.g. medical humanitarian aid in Gaza). Final project in lieu of exam on a topic of student's choice. Attendance required. Class participation important, with multiple opportunities to earn participation credit beyond speaking in class. Strong emphasis on rigorous analysis, critical thinking, and testing ideas in real-world contexts. Note that this course will require one make-up evening session on a Wednesday or Thursday in early May in lieu of the final class session in June. Enrollment will be decided via application, which can be found at https://forms.gle/xw9bPh5wjxPZZcwf6. **The form will open on 3/6 at 5pm and close on 3/13 at 5pm.** The course offers credit toward Public Policy core requirements (if taken in combination with PUBLPOL 103F) and it satisfies the undergraduate Ways of Thinking - ER requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Students taking the course for Ways credit and Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements must obtain a letter grade. Others may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC. Students seeking credit for other majors should consult their departments.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3

PUBLPOL 298: Directed Readings in Public Policy

Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 1-5 | Repeatable for credit

PUBLPOL 301B: Economic Policy Analysis for Policymakers (INTLPOL 204B)

This class provides economic and institutional background necessary to conduct policy analysis. We will examine the economic justification for government intervention and illustrate these concepts with applications drawn from different policy contexts. The goal of the course is to provide you with the conceptual foundations and the practical skills and experience you will need to be thoughtful consumers or producers of policy analysis. Prerequisites: ECON 102B or PUBLPOL 303D.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4-5
Instructors: ; Bettinger, E. (PI)

PUBLPOL 309X: Public Policy Research Project

Supervised research internship. Individual students perform policy research for outside client, applying analytical skills from core curriculum. Requires permission of program director.
Terms: Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 1-10 | Repeatable 2 times (up to 10 units total)

PUBLPOL 310: Master of Arts Thesis

Restricted to students writing a master's thesis in Public Policy. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 1-5 | Repeatable 5 times (up to 5 units total)

PUBLPOL 311: Public Policy Colloquium

Weekly colloquia speaker series required for M.P.P. and M.A. in Public Policy students. Open only to Public Policy graduate students; permission number required to enroll.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr | Units: 1 | Repeatable 4 times (up to 4 units total)
Instructors: ; Rosston, G. (PI)

PUBLPOL 315: Practical Training

Qualified Public Policy students obtain employment in a relevant research or industrial activity to enhance their professional experience consistent with their degree programs. Prior to enrolling students must get internship approved by the Public Policy Program. At the start of the quarter, students must submit a one page statement showing the relevance of the employment to the degree program along with an offer letter. At the end of the quarter, a three page final report must be supplied documenting work done and relevance to degree program. Meets the requirements for Curricular Practical Training for students on F-1 visas. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 1-5 | Repeatable for credit

PUBLPOL 321: Nonprofits, Philanthropy & Society (EDUC 321, SOC 321)

Over the past several decades nonprofit organizations have become increasingly central entities in society, and with this growing status and importance their roles are increasingly complex.We consider the social, political and economic dynamics of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on the US. The class is best suited for graduate students looking for an advanced analytic understanding of the sector and those wishing to conduct research in the field; it is not intended to provide training in nonprofit management.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3-4
Instructors: ; Powell, W. (PI)

PUBLPOL 325: The Political Economy of Green Energy Policy and Regulation

This course is about the changing economics and politics of energy regulation due to climate change. Decarbonizing the grid and dealing with resilience and reliability challenges as a result of more extreme weather has complicated the already difficult task of governing the grid. We will first discuss political and economic theories of why and when we regulate. We will then explore the relationship between the lawmakers who create legislation, the agencies that implement policies, and the regulated entities that are both subject to regulation and seek to influence it. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful regulation in the climate space will be explored. The goal of the class is to provide an understanding of how regulation and institutions determine the effectiveness of novel policies. The course will be useful for students interested in gaining insight into the political economic aspects of policymaking. Prerequisites: calculus-based microeconomics course, and approval of the instructors?please email alisonjo@stanford.edu with a brief description of any background in energy policy you may have and why you would like to take the course.
Terms: Spr | Units: 4

PUBLPOL 353B: Regulating Emerging Technology: Risks, Opportunities, and Reality

Geared towards graduate students and advanced undergraduates, this course aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary framework for thinking about both why and when new technology should be regulated, as well as how to create effective regulations and policies when the pace of technological innovation often far exceeds the pace at which laws and public policies can be made. Through case studies involving specific areas of emerging technology, we will explore the opportunities that new technologies provide for improvement to a broad range of human domains - including the physical and social sciences, healthcare, economics, equity/justice, and national security. At the same time, we will consider risks presented by those same technologies, learn about policies and regulatory structures (both public and private) aimed at mitigating those risks, and reflect on potential risks and opportunities associated with the regulatory process itself. Readings and discussions will touch on the nature of relationships among scientific and technological experts, public officials, activists, and ordinary citizens - including problems of science literacy and communication between policymakers and practitioners. Students from all schools are encouraged to enroll, with the aim of creating opportunities for students to engage in the type of cross-discipline dialogue we will be discussing in class. Specific case studies may include: consumer data privacy, facial recognition, election-related misinformation and disinformation, regulation of the metaverse, automation and machine learning in military technology.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3
Instructors: ; Boyd, B. (PI)

PUBLPOL 379: Entering the Backstage of Education Policy Making (EDUC 479)

How to mobilize evidence to support informed decisions by education policy makers? How to create public sector partnerships for research and practice? In this 3-4-credit course, students will have the opportunity to engage with policy teams around a real educational problem, providing pro-bono technical support. Before the course starts, the instructor will collect expressions of interest from the Brazilian Ministry of Education and from State and municipal Secretariats of Education in the country, and match students to the problems most highly rated by each of them upon applying to the course (participation capped at 25 students). Working in groups, students will produce (1) a meta-analysis, analyzing what we know about what works or not to address the problem based on existing scientific research, (2) a policy review, summarizing what we (do not) know about the problem based on public documents and expert opinions (from Stanford or elsewhere), and (3) recommendations for action, proposing a strategy for making progress towards that problem. Groups will meet with their client bi-weekly to refine their understanding of the problem, share progress towards deliverables, collect feedback, and iterate around the initial objectives as teams learn more about their problems. This course is worth 3-4 credits, meaning you might need to dedicate 9-12 hours per week, including class time. This includes participation in both full-class and section meetings, leaving approximately 8 hours for work outside of class. The course meets twice a week over the course of the Spring quarter. It consists of 3 lectures, 12 group-work meetings, and 5 client-facing meetings. See schedule for additional details. Enrollment depends on instructor permission obtained in the first day of class. Priority will be given to Master's and PhD students in ICE.
Terms: Spr | Units: 3-4
Instructors: ; Lichand, G. (PI)

PUBLPOL 801: TGR Project

Instructor and program consent required prior to enrollment.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum | Units: 0
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