Print Syllabus

Syllabus

NA0138 Policy Evaluation, 7.5 Credits

Politisk utvärdering

Subjects

Economics Economics

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to English B from upper secondary school is required as from the academic year 2009/10.

Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits, of which 90 credits in National Economics.

Knowledge equivalent to English A from upper secondary school.

Objectives

After completing the course, the student shall have acquired good knowledge of different methods for evaluating the effects of politically decided reforms and measures and of the strengths and limitations of the different methods.

Content

This course aims at describing and problematizing the methods that are used to find out whether political decisions have desired (or undesired) effects on various phenomena in society. In particular, the various microeconomic methods for evaluation that have emerged in the last 15 years are discussed. The course aims at illustrating the "basic evaluation problem", i.e. we can observe what happens after a reform, but not what would have happened if the same reform had not been implemented. Taking this as the starting point, explanations are given of the different methods that are, despite this fundamental problem, used to find out what are the effects of different types of measures and reforms. In particular, the idea is to show the strengths and weaknesses of different methods by using real examples from various research areas. Examples of issues that can be analyzed with these methods are how the number of students in a class can affect the students’ study results, how reporting sick can be affected by requirements for a medical certificate or how the time that parents spend with their children is affected by the introduction of "daddy-months".

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course is examined through take-home assignments and a short written exam. There are three grades: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) and fail (U).

Approved examination.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

This course plan follows the administrative standards of Uppsala University. Specific information about the course (time schedule, etc.) can be found about a month prior to course start on the website of Uppsala University, www.uu.se. Additional information can also be provided by Director of Studies at Department of Economics, SLU, studierektor@ekon.slu.se.

Responsible department

Department of Economics