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Course catalogue

Find individual courses here or browse the curricula of our graduate and executive programmes.
For the PhD programmes, please find more information here.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Public policy and demographic change

Course-ID: E1182
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Michaela Kreyenfeld

Abstract

This course introduces students to core demographic theories, data, measures and methods. Students will learn where to locate high quality demographic data. We will calculate and interpret demographic indicators such as the fertility rate, the mortality rate and measures that can be derived from divorce and migration statistics. Student will be introduced to demographic theories, concepts and themes, such as the life table, the Lexis diagram, the concepts of the compression of morbidity, healthy life expectancy, etc. Beyond methods and data, the course offers a platform to discuss policy-relevant questions in the field of demographic change, for example: Do governments need to take action to increase or lower the birth rate? Is population decline a challenge for national governments? In light of climate change, should we worry about a further increase in world population?

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs

Introduction to python

Course-ID: E1326
Instructors: Dr. Hannah Béchara

Abstract

The course leads the students from the basics of writing and running Python scripts to more advanced features such as object-oriented programming and data structures.

This course is for 2nd year MIA and MPP students only.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Strategic management in government and the non-governmental sector

Course-ID: E1245
Instructors: Salvador Parrado

Abstract

The course develops the perspectives and the knowledge required for designing and implementing organisational strategies in a governmental and non-governmental context.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

The rise of China

Course-ID: E1361
Instructors: Prof. Daniela Stockmann, PhD

Abstract

China’s impressive development during the past 40 years is often perceived as challenging the United States as the most powerful player in global politics. As the American economy has slowed down during the pandemic and the American political system is under pressure internally, arguments in support of the rise of China appear to be more convincing than ever. Is China really rising? What are the origins and underpinnings of China’s development? And what are the implications of China’s rise for foreign politics? This course examines the causes and consequences of China’s rise. Although there is a strong focus on domestic politics, we will also spend considerable time and energy on understanding China’s foreign policy. Students do not need to have any previous knowledge about China.


The course is divided into two parts. The first part covers the origins and underpinnings of China’s development marked by fostering economic development with limited political reform. The second part examines key factors in explaining China’s foreign policy. This includes basic developments in China's bilateral relations with other states, particularly the United States, and China's relations with other actors in international politics, such as the European Union.


In addition to understanding the political dynamics involved in China’s rise, we also explore challenges and strategies to build a cooperative relationship with China. As part of the US-China trade war many companies and states feel under pressure to choose one side, which fosters an atmosphere conducive to conflict. Proponents of this strategy argue that countries need to build an alliance with a strong stance against China. Others argue that it is important to continue to seek cooperation with liberal forces inside the country to avoid future conflict. This course gives you the opportunity to develop your own stance on this question by starting to build an understanding of China on your own.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

Topics in economic policy

Course-ID: E1305
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Christian Traxler

Abstract

This course discusses topics in economic policy. We will draw on policy evaluations and studies in applied microeconomics that focus on consumers’ and households’ (and, to a lesser extent, firms’) responses to governmental interventions.

We will first examine fiscal stimulus policies, such as Germany’s temporary VAT cut, or car-scrapping or subsidy programs (such as the US’ “cash-for-clunkers” programme or the German counterpart, “Abwrackprämie”). Using results of the environmental impact of car-scrapping programmes as our point of departure, we will then study “green stimuli” before we focus on policy interventions to regulate the market for mobility. Lastly, continuing in an urban, city-level perspective, we will discuss evidence from the US and Germany on the role of rent regulations and price control policies. We will assess which actors on the housing market (if any) ultimately benefit from (which) housing-policy interventions.

Throughout the course, all questions will be approached using research papers employing state-of-the-art empirical tools that are common in quantitative impact assessments and policy analyses. We will reserve specific session slots that are devoted to policy discussions. In some of these discussions, we aim to bring in practitioners and applied researchers working on these policy topics.

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Data Science for Public Policy

World order models in theory and practice

Course-ID: GRAD-E1443
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Tobias Bunde

Abstract

If there is one thing world leaders today can still agree on, it is the shared assumption that the world has entered a decisive decade, in which the future international order will be shaped. Joe Biden often refers to “a significant inflection point in world history.” Olaf Scholz has spoken of a “Zeitenwende”, a watershed. Vladimir Putin sees the world at a crossroads, entering the “most dangerous decade” since the end of World War II. According to Narendra Modi, “the world order is taking a new shape.”

Building on various theoretical approaches to understand “order” on the global level, this course discusses the contemporary crisis of the international order, its causes and its consequences: What are the main principles of the contemporary international order? Which intellectual traditions inform the debate about world order today? Why is there a crisis of what has been called the liberal international order? Who is contesting which elements of the order? Can it be reformed – and if so how? What are the fundamental alternative visions discussed today? Which of the visions of a new world order will shape the future? What could a peaceful and sustainable global order look like?

This course is for 2nd year MIA, MPP and MDS students only.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

Crisis communication scenario

Course-ID: PDC1062
Instructors: Dominik Cziesche

Abstract

In this course you will learn how to manage a crisis and how to prepare for such an event. Only a few elements will be of a theoretical nature; most of the course is highly practical and requires your active participation throughout. Learnings will be equally applicable to the private and public sectors.

On day 1, we will discuss a case study on the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the effect it had on BP’s reputation. We will deep dive into all events of the spill and additionally determine what BP should have done after the end of the immediate crisis, when a new CEO took charge.

On day 2, almost the entire time is dedicated to a simulation exercise in which each and every student will play a very active role. You will experience what it means to be in the midst of a crisis and to have to make decisions amid high pressure and uncertainty.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

Decision-making in government: Complexity, process and compromise

Course-ID: PDC1065
Instructors: Zoé von Finck

Abstract

This workshop teaches decision-making in government. The learning will be gained through a hypothetical simulation involving either the scenario of a) unrest at the border between Russia and Finland or b) the US government no longer supporting Ukraine militarily.

The learning objective is to better understand decision-making processes and structures in government, such as hierarchies, processes and deadlines and recogniae the perspectives of different national and international actors involved, such as foreign policy or heath security aspects. At the same time, the course will highlight external constraints and pressures on the decision-making, such as the influence of public opinion.

Overall, this is a very “hands-on” exercise meant to prepare students for real life decision-making in complex and demanding environments. Furthermore, this is also a team-building exercise as the goal of the exercise is to find an adequate balance between all the different competing interests involved. Students will also have an opportunity to get an introduction to decision-making in government, feedback on the different decisions taken and insight into what happened in a similar situation in government.

In summary the learning outcome will be about:

  • Decision-making in government
  • Processes and hierarchies in government
  • Complexity and simplicity (breaking it down to “what is this truly about”) in decision-making
  • The need for different perspectives, compromise and balance
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Master of Data Science for Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

Developing bots and scrapers with Python

Course-ID: GRAD-PDC1089

Abstract

This course is divided into three parts:

The first part will be an overview of how web pages work (html, css and javascript). Students will then be introduced to the client-server model along with a speedy review of python basics.

The second part will be a practical notebook session. Students will interact with a set of Jupyter Notebooks, allowing them to get hands-on experience with how to query web server APIs or plain html pages.

Finally, students will be asked to choose an API or website of their choice and develop a bot/scraper. They will be invited to explain to the group what they developed, which blocking points they encountered and what could be improved in the future regarding it. It will be followed with a live scraper development session to consolidate students’ learning.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

EU governance simulator – EU arctic policy

Course-ID: GRAD-PDC1072

Abstract

This course teaches and trains students in basic negotiation and debating, as well as in critical and analytical skills and techniques. It does so while dealing with a critically important emerging policy issue: Governance in the Arctic region. The goal is to make participants fit for negotiations, debates and high-level discussions in their future professional environments. We adopt a dynamic, participant-focused approach by combining workshops with practical exercises under the umbrella of an EU governance simulation.

The first part of the course provides an overview of the EU’s apparatus (for example will will look at the roles and powers of the main institutions, the limitations and challenges of the EU) and includes workshops on a challenging emerging crisis: Climate change and its growing impact on governance in the Arctic region. The second part of the course is a pedagogical exercise which provides an opportunity for students to experience the highest level of crisis management from the perspective of the main EU institutions: The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. Participants will get to experience multiple roles at a European level, on a rotational basis. At the beginning of the simulation, participants will act as Commissioners operating under a given Directorate-General. Following that, participants will act as Foreign Ministers of an EU member state, having to design crisis management plans from the standpoint of their respective EU member state. In the final phase of the simulation, participants will assume the roles of MEPs and they will engage in meaningful debates on the Arctic region.

Examining a topic from different perspectives via simulation methodology provides a dynamic learning experience which enables participants to hone their analytical skills. In this simulation, participants will:

  • Develop an understanding of the Arctic region and its challenges;
  • Be able to produce policy recommendations for tackling complex, real-life challenges successfully;
  • Gain a more holistic understanding of the EU bodies and their policymaking tools and capabilities;
  • Enhance their confidence in their capabilities to operate in complex multifaceted environments involving a wide variety of stakeholders.

This course is primarily designed to be taught in-person. However, depending on current COVID-19 sanitary conditions, it can be modified to be taught online.

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Master of Data Science for Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

From cost to opportunities: Learning to manage conflict productively

Course-ID: GRAD-PDC1070

Abstract

Conflict is a natural part of social experience. In the workplace, conflicts are particularly frequent as many people of varying responsibilities and personalities must work together. You can find conflict between groups, individual employees and even between members of management.  

The cost of conflicts is very high and underestimated by organisations: research has shown that managers spend 20-40% addressing conflicts; a 2008 study (by CCP) showed than US employees spend an average of 2,8 hours a week dealing with conflict! Appropriately managing conflict is therefore a key professional skill.  

Conflict management skills are abilities that help you manage how conflict affects you, those you work with and the workplace as a whole. Knowing that conflict is inevitable, conflict management aims to make conflict a productive part of the workplace, and if you have the skills to do so, you can contribute to an environment where conflict is accepted, managed and used positively. 

Unfortunately, few people come naturally equipped with good conflict management skills. This course wants to start remedying that. The course will: 

  • Develop an understanding of common sources of conflict and awareness of what signs to look for, so you can prevent or minimise conflict by catching it early
  • Focus on how to analyse conflicts 
  • Help participants reflect on their personal conflict management style 
  • Work on six key conflict management skills
  • Effective communication 
  • Active listening 
  • Empathy 
  • Problem-solving 
  • Positive attitude 
  • Keeping one’s cool (emotional regulation) 
  • Learn tools and processes for constructive conflict conversations 
  • From a didactic perspective the course is conceived as a group coaching based around knowledge inputs, self-reflections (individual and as a group), discussions and evaluations

At the end of the training participants will: 

  • Know how to recognise conflicts early and understand the value of managing conflicts early on 
  • Understand the patterns conflicts follow and be able to analyse it 
  • Refine key conflict managing skills 
  • Have tools and methods for constructively addressing conflicts
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Master of Data Science for Public Policy Master of International Affairs Master of Public Policy

Gathering intelligence from open sources in ‘Brussels’: Building a dossier and pitching an approach

Course-ID: GRAD-PDC1084

Abstract

For many, “Brussels” is a black box that has become an intransparent factory of legislation and regulation. It may sound like a herculean task, but there are ways to cut through the complexity. You could consult official sources of information like the EU Official Journal, follow live-streamed meetings or collect what you can find on the websites of the Commission, Council and EP. Or you could look at unofficial sources (free), like general newsletters and bulletins, subject-specific sources, think tank studies or social media.

This course helps students to develop three essential intelligence gathering skills and applies them, through individual and group assignments, to current case studies:

  1. Finding key people (who is who and who does what) and networking – in person and from a distance
  2. Getting reliable information and news: baseline information (from official sources in EU institutions), breaking news (what is about to happen or has happened) and analysis (from stakeholders and from independent experts)
  3. Mapping procedures and processes: getting meeting dates and agendas and plotting the state of play of a negotiation on a codecision (“tracking chart”)

To develop these skills, each student will build a portfolio for a dossier assigned to her/him containing:

  • Key official documents
  • “Who is who” tables of contacts (for different categories of players)
  • An overview of reliable news sources for the dossier (including social media)
  • An overview of analyses and commentaries from “independents” and stakeholders
  • An updated codecision tracking chart

Armed with this comprehensive set of information, students will develop an approach and provide advice to a particular stakeholder on how to engage with key players in Brussels.  

 

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