Public policy as a field of research, study and analysis is finding takers now more than ever. Public policy is no longer about the government’s actions: it is equally about the reaction to those actions, about journalists evaluating those actions, about the societal consequences of policy decisions. In short, public policy is a multi-dimensional discipline.
- Public policy Challenges in the 21st century
This course will help you develop analytical skills to assess policy proposals. Professor Gerry Warburg at the University of Virginia teaches the course, and it encompasses sub-topics like, “The Media and Changing Nature of Politics”, “Healthcare Systems and Insurance Markets” among others. The course discusses the societal and political repercussions of the challenges facing the policymakers. There’s one catch though: the course has an inclination towards the U.S. economy and society. However, that doesn’t impede one’s learning.
Where to enroll? Coursera
- Ethics and Public Policy
Often, public policy requires the redistribution of resources, denial of rights or privileges, or promotion of one group at the expense of another. At such critical decision-making junctures, one cannot compromise ethics. Such situations essentially lead to dilemmas. This course focuses on the ethical aspect of public policy.
Where to enroll? Saylor.org
- Journalism for social change
The course curriculum states that it has been “designed for students who are interested in the intersection of public policy, journalism and social sciences and who are looking to use their expertise and careers to drive positive social change.” The course teaches how journalism can be used as an implement of social change and how one can become an effective change agent. The instructor for the course is Daniel Heimpel, Lecturer U.C. Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy.
Where to enroll? edX.org
- Measuring Causal Effects in the Social Sciences
Yet another offering from Coursera, this course provided by the University of Copenhagen is for you if you have some experience with statistics and familiarity with causal inference and social sciences. This course looks at the quantitative aspect of public policy and decisions thereof.
Where to enroll? Coursera
Kritika Narula
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