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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

Development Economics

Course-ID: GRAD-E1393
Instructor(s): Arianna Ornaghi

Abstract

In recent decades, social protection programs have become increasingly common in developing countries. This courses discusses the challenges that governments in these countries face when designing such programs and the taxation systems needed to finance them. We are going to address these questions by discussing state-of-the-art research in development economics, with a specific methodological focus on randomized control trails.

 

We are going to begin by considering the specificities of taxation systems in developing countries, by discussing the role played by taxation instruments such as the value added tax but also the role of tax administration. We are then going to consider how social protection programs can be structured to address the challenges associated with large informal sectors and weak state capacity, from how to target recipients, to what type of transfers are appropriate, to how to deal with governance issues. We will also consider the general equilibrium effects of social protection schemes and what determines demand for public services.

 

Importantly, throughout the course, we will discuss randomized control trials in great detail: how they can be designed to evaluate policies and understand economic mechanisms, how different implementation challenges can be addressed, and how their results should be analyzed.

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

Economics I

Course-ID: GRAD-C7
Instructor(s): Egon Tripodi

Abstract

The course offers an introduction to some of the key concepts used by economists, with a focus on microeconomic analysis. The main topics covered include consumer and producer behavior, competitive markets, as well as market failure and the need for governmental intervention. The goal of the course is for students to learn how economists think and it is built around three components. The first of these is the theory and ideas that economists use to structure their thinking. The second component is policy applications and debates where this theory will be applied and put to test, while the third is evidence from empirical studies to highlight principles of applied research design.

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

Economics of Crime and Security

Course-ID: GRAD-E1169
Instructor(s): Christian Traxler

Abstract

This course introduces students to the economic, quantitative analysis of crime and crime control policies. Crime imposes substantial costs to individuals and society, and “fighting crime” ranks high in the policy agenda of most countries. At the same time, strategies for crime prevention are among the most controversially and fiercely debated areas of public policy – including issues related to police violence and racially biased policing. Starting with Garry Becker’s Nobel Prize winning work on the rational choice model of crime, economists have contributed to this debate by providing an analytical framework and, most importantly, advanced empirical methods to evaluate different crime prevention policies. The course covers a broad set of topics from this strand of research. It discusses, among others, the deterrent effect of policing, strategies for “better” policing, the role of peer effects and socialization on crime (“neighbourhood effects”), as well as topics related to migration. All questions will be approached with state-of-the-art empirical methods that are widely used in the quantitative analysis of policy impact.

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

Economics of Media

Course-ID: GRAD-E1367
Instructor(s): Arianna Ornaghi

Abstract

The media exert an important influence on politics and policy. In this course, we will discuss classic and recent research in economics that explores the role played by traditional and social media. We will begin by looking at how the media influence politicians’ behavior, voters’ choices, and policy outcomes. We will also discuss the determinants on content choice (e.g. slant), including the role played by market structure. Then, we will turn our attention to the emergence of social media and what their features imply for political outcomes, individual well-being, and news production. The last sessions of the course will be devoted to recent developments in the area such as hate speech and misinformation. We will approach these issues through the discussion of empirical research papers in economics. As part of the course, students will improve their understanding of state-of-the-art techniques for causal inference and learn to critically evaluate empirical research in economics.

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

Economics of Public Procurement

Course-ID: GRAD-E1470
Instructor(s): Gustavo Piga

Abstract

Public Procurement is the process by which Public Administrations of a country i) establish and determine their need of, ii) demand the provision from outside entities of, iii) contractualize the purchase [with taxpayers’ money] with one entity of and iv) monitor/manage the provision of: goods, services and works, in order to fulfill their institutional mandate with regards to their citizens.

It occupies a large share of the GDP that every year is produced in any given country, thereby affecting critically employment and the quality of work, and an even larger share of the total public spending. It's variations play a substantial role in smoothing economic bad times like recessions.

What is the goal of a public procurement strategy? Minimizing costs for taxpayer’s benefit? Or possibly achieving social justice by means of determining who to buy from? Or maybe contributing to industrial policy by protecting small firms? Or redirecting purchases to be environmentally sustainable? And are all these goals synergic or do they create policy dilemma?

Who are the worse enemies of a good procurement strategy? Collusion? Corruption? Incompetence? The three together?

With which tools do you achieve all these goals and fight all these enemies of a good society?

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

Electricity Market Design

Course-ID: GRAD-E1389
Instructor(s): Lion Hirth

Abstract

This is an advanced course on electricity markets, covering forward, spot, balancing and retail markets as well as policy interventions into those markets. Students will learn how to design and how to trade an such markets.

 

Electricity markets and the prices that emerge from trading on these markets drive the energy transition. It is traders, rather than power plant engineers, who decide which power station is dispatched. It is the prices that provide the incentives for investment and innovation and that they drive out (or not) polluting generators. It is the market that will ultimately determine if new energy technologies thrive or dive. But robust electricity market design is not only foundational for the energy transition, it is also foundational for energy poverty and for security of supply: in other industries, perverse incentives cause waste of resources, in electricity markets they can cause large-scale blackouts. Electricity market design is complicated, but too important to be left poorly understood.

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

Empirical Environmental Economics

Course-ID: GRAD-E1460
Instructor(s): Johanna Arlinghaus

Abstract

This course has two broad objectives. The first is to familiarize students with important empirical findings and lines of inquiry at the frontier of energy and environmental economics. The second is to develop an understanding of empirical methods and research designs commonly used in the field of energy and environmental economics. To reach the first goal, there will be an in-depth treatment of some core concepts in environmental economics in the first part of the course, such as externalities, valuation of the environment and the challenge of designing good policy instruments. We will talk about the economic rationale for a broad range of possible policies: environmental taxes, emissions trading systems, tax breaks and subsidies and performance standards. The second part of the course will focus on discussing and synthesizing the conclusions of a number of seminal papers on the effects of various energy, environmental and climate policies on environmental, economic and social outcomes. A key element of this discussion will be the critical analysis of the empirical strategies (e.g. difference-in-differences, synthetic control, regression discontinuity) in the papers discussed.

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

Energy Economics

Course-ID: GRAD-E1378
Instructor(s): Lion Hirth

Abstract

Energy Economics is an introduction to the technology and economics of energy systems, power markets, and electricity networks. The economics of wind and solar energy, the cornerstones of low-carbon energy systems, lie at the heart of this course.

The global energy system is undergoing the deepest transformation of its history, driven by decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization: new technologies from solar photovoltaics to batteries and the internet of things reshape how electricity is produced, transported, traded and consumed. Wind and solar energy are at the center of change. Understanding this revolution requires understanding the deep links between electricity systems and technologies, economics and markets, and regulation and policy. For the future of the global energy system, and hence the future of our climate system, understanding the technology and economics of wind and solar energy is maybe the single most crucial piece of knowledge.

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

Espionage and Diplomacy: Strategic Intelligence as a Factor in IR

Course-ID: GRAD-E1253
Instructor(s): Gil Murciano

Abstract

Intelligence and espionage affairs are often treated as intriguing yet anecdotal parts of diplomatic history. Nevertheless, a closer look at key junctures of international relations in the last two centuries exposes the central role strategic intelligence plays in international politics. The fate of nations has often been decided on the basis of their ability to gather, understand and act upon information about the international system that surrounds them. In addition, the world of strategic intelligence provides a distinctive setting for international interaction - both as a key arena for international conflict as well as a platform for international co-operation.

The course examines the role of strategic intelligence as distinct component in the process of foreign policy making by focusing on two distinct dimensions. First, it focuses on intelligence as a source of information shaping the national leadership’s policy choices. From Pearl-Harbor, through the Berlin 1961 Crisis and to the 9/11 attacks, we will explore the manner in which intelligence information and assessments influence the strategic decision-making process of leaders and nations in times of conflict and peace. Second, the course investigates the political usage of intelligence as an instrument of influence and warfare in international relations. We will examine the practices of disinformation and deception operations and allocate specific emphasis to Cyber Warfare.

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

European Foreign Relations and Transatlantic Security

Course-ID: GRAD-E1434
Instructor(s): Markus Kaim

Abstract

Russia's war against Ukraine signaled a turning point in European security and defense. Since then, defense spending in Europe has been on the rise, long-neglected strategic key capabilities are being built up, and alliance and national defense have finally returned to the center of security policy strategies. Under President Joe Biden, Washington is firmly on Ukraine's side. Russia's war of aggression has also unleashed unexpected forces in the European Union (EU). Since February 2024, the EU member states have made quantum leaps, especially in security and defense.

 

At the end of 2024, Europe and the US will be confronted with another turning point. On November 5, 2024, a new president will be elected in the USA. With the opponents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, not only two candidates, but two schools of thought will face each other, which define the role of the US in international relations and European affairs very differently. The results of the 2024 US presidential elections will inevitably lead to a rebalancing of US-European security relations.

 

In this context, the question arises as to what adjustments Europeans will have to make in security and defense policy within the framework of NATO and, even more so, within the EU, to compensate for a potentially declining role of the US. This question is particularly relevant because, despite various efforts, Europeans have not been able to overcome the fundamental shortcomings of their security and defense policy in the past two years.

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

Evidence-Informed Misinformation Policy: Insights from Psychology

Course-ID: GRAD-E1476
Instructor(s): Anastasia Kozyreva

Abstract

The spread of false and misleading information in online social networks is a global problem needing urgent solutions. To address the spread of misinformation, policymakers require a successful interface between science and policy, as well as a range of evidence-based solutions that respect fundamental rights while efficiently mitigating the harms of misinformation online. In this course, we will discuss how misinformation policy can be informed by scientific research, focusing on research in the field of psychological science, including behavioral public policy and political psychology. We'll explore four key areas:

1. Misinformation as a Policy Problem: Understanding what makes misinformation relevant to policy, the evidence required by policymakers, and the current EU approach.

2. System-level Interventions: Examining interventions to make media ecosystems less conducive to spreading false information, including platform design and content moderation, and public attitudes towards these measures.

3. Individual-level Interventions: Focusing on solutions to help individuals recognize and avoid spreading falsehoods, based on the "Toolbox of individual-level interventions against online misinformation" (Kozyreva et al, 2024).

4. Open Questions and Future Directions: Discussing key open questions and contentious points in misinformation research.

Course readings will include policy documents, conceptual pieces, and empirical studies, with an emphasis on empirical research.

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

Excel Basic

Course-ID: GRAD-PDC1028
Instructor(s): Sven Froese

Abstract

In this workshop, we’ll deal with the basic functions and possibilities of table calculation. You’ll learn how to transfer your mathematical tasks into Excel and how to structure, calculate and change the appearance of tables.

This class is for people who want to structure their work, make it less time-consuming and learn more about the possibilities of Excel.

It is suitable for those with no or intermediate experience in Excel.

The topics include:

• entering & editing data

• formatting data

• calculation with formulas & functions

• shortcuts

• application of named areas

• sorting/filtering

• logical functions (e.g. if)

• working in parallel on multiple sheets

• linking sheets/workbooks

• preparation for printout

• settings & security

• charts

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