POEC 5302 (PA 5302 and PSCI 5302) Law and The Policy Process (3 semester
hours) Provides the legal perspective on public policy and emphasizes the
judicial system’s role in the recent evolution of public policy in
selected problem areas. (3-0) T
POEC 5303 (PA 5303 and PSCI 5303) Public Policymaking and Institutions
(3 semester hours) Surveys the major institutions associated with policymaking,
including Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and interest groups. These
institutions are studied by linking them to the decision-making theories of
organizations, social choice and incrementalism. (3-0) Y
POEC 5305 (PA 5305) Microeconomics for Policy I (3 semester hours)
Develops the tools of economic analysis and demonstrates their uses for
decision making and the evaluation of public policies.� ECO 3310, POEC 5300, or equivalent
recommended. (3-0) Y
POEC 5306 (PA 5306) Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (3 semester hours)
Studies various schools of macroeconomic theory, their political and economic
implications and the policies that flow from them. Discusses the design and
implementation of policies related to inflation, unemployment, business
fluctuations and long-term economic growth. (3-0) R
POEC 5307 (PA 5307) Economics for Public Policy (3 semester hours)
Economics for Public Policy is a doctoral level course designed to introduce
students to the use of economic methods of the analysis of public policy. While
the primary theoretical framework for the course is microeconomics, the course
also includes macroeconomics. A variety of public policy topics are covered in
the course such as education and education reform, employment and the labor
market, taxes and redistribution, health and health care, poverty and
inequality, and public assistance programs. A central theme in the course is
the role of the government.� (3-0) Y
POEC 5308 (PA 5308) Ethics, Culture and Public Responsibility (3
semester hours) This course provides a general consideration of traditions of
ethical thought, the interactions between personal behavior and cultural
groups/norms, and the implementation of public responsibility. Topics to be
considered shall include tensions between personal and collective goals, the
nature and limits of tolerance, and the role of institutions such as the
family, government, business, churches and interest groups. (3-0) Y
POEC 5310 Research Design I (3 semester hours) This course is the first
in a two-course sequence devoted to the research enterprise and the study of
data development strategies and techniques to facilitate effective statistical
analysis. Topics generally covered include: (1) issues and techniques in social
science research with emphasis on philosophy of science, theory testing, and hypothesis
formulation; (2) measurement and data collection strategies, reliability and
validity of measures and results, sampling, surveys; and (3) examination of
qualitative versus quantitative research techniques, working with observational
data, field research issues, and triangulation. (3-0) Y
POEC 5313 (CRIM 5313, PA 5313) Descriptive and Inferential Statistics for
the Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (3 semester hours) This course
is an introduction to data analysis, statistics, and regression. The only
prerequisite is a sound foundation in algebra. The heart of the course is a
rigorous introduction to statistical inference: sampling theory, confidence
intervals, and hypothesis tests. The final section of the course covers
regression analysis, which is developed in a fairly non-technical way, with an
emphasis on interpretation of regression results, using examples from recent
research.� SOCS 3305 or equivalent
recommended. (3-0) Y
POEC 5316 (CRIM 5316) Advanced Regression Analysis for the Economic,
Political and Policy Sciences (3 semester hours) This course provides a
detailed examination of the bivariate and multiple regression models estimated
using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), with an emphasis on using regression models
to test social and economic hypotheses. Also covered are several special topics
in regression analysis, including violations of OLS assumptions, the use of
dummy variables, fixed effects models, and path analysis. Applications are
demonstrated with examples drawn from economics, political science, public
policy and sociology.� POEC 5313 or
equivalent recommended. (3-0) Y
POEC 5319 Special Topics in Political Economy (3 semester hours) Topics
vary from semester to semester. (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9
hours.) (3-0) R
POEC 5355 (CRIM 5355 and PA 5355) Introduction to Homeland Security (3 semester hours) This course provides a
comprehensive overview of the structure of Homeland Security, its origins and
developing trends and challenges. Selected material from Congress, FEMA,
Department of Justice, local, state, and other government and non-government
agencies will be studied. Examines both historical and contemporary Homeland
Defense and Security issues. (3-0) Y
POEC 5356 (CRIM 5356 and PA 5356) Pre-emptive Strategies and Tactics (3 semester hours) Provides a comprehensive
study of formulating pre-emptive strategies and tactics related to terrorist
attacks and certain man-made disasters, such as a chemical plant explosions.
This course is a field-based application. Explores current published
pre-emptive strategies and tactics, means and methods for improving current
plans and explores new pre-emptive strategies and tactics driven by new
intelligence assessments. (3-0) Y
POEC 5357 (CRIM 5357 and PA 5357) Information Sharing and Communication (3 semester hours) Provides a comprehensive
overview of the structure of network, organizational and group information
sharing and communication. Focuses include new theories and applications to
information sharing and communication and intelligence gathering techniques of
state and local fusion centers. (3-0) Y
POEC 5358 (CRIM 5358 and PA 5358) Social Networks and Intelligence Led
Policing (3 semester hours)
Provides a comprehensive study of concepts and methods for adopting intelligence
as a foundation of law enforcement business operations for sound
decision-making. Exploiting social networks is a primary means for preventing
terrorism and crime. The course explores how intelligence led policing depends
on creating strong community social networks to enhance policing of criminal
networks. (3-0) Y
POEC 5359 (CRIM 5359 and PA 5359) Protecting Critical Resources and
Infrastructure (3 semester hours)
Includes a comprehensive study of the current plans and policies in place for
protecting critical resources and infrastructure, both public and private. The
class will consist of a thorough review of the current literature pertaining to
critical infrastructure protection policies, methods, plans, and identify new
technology driven critical infrastructures. (3-0) Y���
POEC 5371 (PA 5371 and SOC 5371) Non-Profit Organizations (3 semester
hours) This course examines issues related to the rise, scope, development and
impact of non-profit organizations. The course explores both the unique missions
of non-profit organizations and the management challenges posed by this
expanding sector of the organizational environment.� (3-0) T
POEC 5372 (PA 5372 and SOC 5372) Non-Profit Management and Leadership (3
semester hours) This course examines issues, strategies and techniques related
to leadership and management in non-profit organizations. (3-0) R
POEC 6301 Political-Economic Theories (3 semester hours) A critical
analysis of theories of politics and economy. Focuses on such thinkers as
Smith, Marx, and Keynes, and on bodies of theory about political and economic
systems. Explores the controversies that have shaped the development of
political economy and their implications for interdisciplinary policy analysis.
(3-0) Y
POEC 6304 Advanced Analytic Techniques (3 semester hours) This course
prepares students to use advanced methods in economic and policy analysis.
Topics include matrices and matrix operations, input-output analysis, the
Cobb-Douglas production function and linear programming. (3-0) R
POEC 6312 (SOC 6312) Social-Economic Theories (3 semester hours) A
critical analysis of theories of society and economy. These include class,
culture, solidarity, rational choice, transaction cost theory, principal agent
theory, ideology and hegemony, network theory, collective action, bureaucracy,
and American exceptionalism. (3-0) Y
POEC 6318 (ECON 6314) Structural Equation and Multilevel (Hierarchical)
Modeling (3 semester hours) An introduction to structural equation modeling
(SEM) and multilevel modeling (MLM), sometimes called hierarchical linear or
mixed modeling. SEM represents a general approach to the statistical
examination of the fit of a theoretical model to empirical data. Topics include
observed variable (path) analysis, latent variable models (e.g., confirmatory
factor analysis), and latent variable SEM analyses. MLM represents a general
approach to handling data that are nested within each other or have random
components. Topics include dealing with two-level data that may be cross-sectional,
such as students within classes, or longitudinal, such as repeated observations
on individuals, firms or countries.� POEC
5316 or equivalent recommended. Prerequisite: ECON 5311 or ECON 6309 or POEC
5316 or permission of instructor. (3-0) R
POEC 6320 (PA 6320, PSCI 6320 and SOC 6320) Organizational Theory (3
semester hours) Focuses on bureaucracy and rationality, formal and informal
structures, and the role of the environment. Organizational factors such as
technology, power, information, and culture, as well as the implications of
organizational theory for public policy are examined. (3-0) T
POEC 6331 (PA 6331 and PSCI 6331) Executives, Legislatures, and Public
Policy (3 semester hours) An investigation of the role played by executives
and legislatures in shaping public policy in the United States. (3-0) R
POEC 6335 (PSCI 6335) Institutions and Development (3 semester hours) An
overview of leading theories, institutional perspectives, issues and policy
debates concerning urban, regional, national and global development. Topics may
include economic growth, technology and innovation, shifts in industrial
structure, spatially imbalanced change, and their welfare consequences. (3-0) T
POEC 6341 (ECON 6371, PA 6341 and SOC 6341) Urban Development (3
semester hours) Presents methods and models for understanding urban processes.
Topics include analysis of urban growth, land use patterns, transportation and
local public good delivery systems. Welfare consequences of various urban policy
options are explored. (3-0) Y
POEC 6342 Research Design II (3 semester hours) This course is the
second in a two-course sequence devoted to the study of data development
strategies and techniques to facilitate effective statistical analysis. Topics
generally covered include: the logic of causal inquiry and inference in the
Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the elaboration paradigm and model
specification, anticipating and handling threats to internal validity,
hierarchies of design structure (experimental, quasi-experimental and
non-experimental): linking design structure to effect estimation strategies and
analyzing design elements in published literature. Students will be required to
select a research topic in consultation with the instructor and prepare a
written comparative design analysis. POEC 5310, POEC 5311, POEC 5316 or
equivalents recommended.� (3-0) Y
POEC 6344 (PSCI 6344) Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables (3
semester hours) This course examines several types of advanced regression
models that are frequently used in policy analysis and social science research.
The key similarity of these models is that they involve dependent variables
that violate one or more of the assumptions of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS)
regression model. The main models examined in the course are binary logit and
probit, multinomial logit, ordinal probit, tobit, and the family of Poisson
regression models. All these models are estimated using maximum likelihood
estimation (MLE). The Heckman correction for selection is also addressed.� POEC 5316 or the equivalent recommended.
(3-0) Y
POEC 6345 (SOC 5386) Survey Research (3 semester hours) This course
exposes students to the use of survey methods in social science research.
Emphasis is placed on interview and questionnaire techniques and the
construction and sequencing of survey questions. Attention is also devoted to
sampling theory, sampling and non-sampling errors, and the use of recent
advances in fieldwork to reduce measurement error in surveys. POEC 5312 and
POEC 5313 recommended. (3-0) R
POEC 6346 (PA 6346, SOC 6360) Qualitative Research Methods (3 semester
hours) this course provides an overview of qualitative research in the
Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Students will investigate the assumptions
underlying qualitative research approaches and critically assess the strengths
and weaknesses of such approaches. Possible topics may include participant
observation, ethnographic interviewing, ethnomethodology, conversation
analysis, case study, and the analysis of historical documents. (3-0) T
POEC 6350 (SOC 6350) Social Stratification (3 semester hours)
This seminar will examine the major theories and lines of research on social
stratification, defined as the hierarchical ranking of groups based on the
unequal distribution of societal resources and positions. Focusing primarily on
the U.S. class system, topics covered include: class reproduction and mobility,
the educational system and policy, empirical definitions, the implications of
race and gender for social class, and forms of legitimation. (3-0) Y
POEC 6352 (SOC 6352 and PA 6352) Evaluation Research Methods in the
Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (3 semester hours) A review of
research methods used in program evaluation, with an emphasis on public and non-profit
social programs. Issues to be addressed include research design, appropriate
performance standards, measurement and selection of indicators, sampling, data
collection, and data analysis. (3-0) T
POEC 6353 (ECON 6362) Industry, Technology, and Science Policy (3
semester hours) Focuses on the impact of social, economic, and political
factors on industry as critical units of production, and how these interact
with technology and science. Topics include availability of skilled labor,
research and development in industry, business-university relationships,
innovation, and international competitiveness of the U.S. economy. (3-0) T
POEC 6354 Theories and Issues of Development (3 semester hours) In
approaching development, there is an important interaction between theories and
issues, each to some extent defining the other.�
This course will review a number of prominent instances in which we see
this interaction-where theory has shaped the way people defined and approached
practical problems and also where pressing practical problems have sometimes
demanded new theoretical developments.�
Specific theories and issues discussed vary.� Possible theories of interest include
arguments for and against slavery, mercantilism, the idea of economic
“takeoff,” central planning versus pluralism, and the role of
democracy and human rights.� Issues
include labor conditions, urban living conditions, population growth and
population quality, environmental pollution and sustainability, and governmental
ineffectiveness and corruption. (3-0) T
POEC 6360 (ECON 6352) World Political Economy (3 semester hours) An
overview of the major social, political, economic, and cultural forces that
influence the nature of international political and economic relations. (3-0) T
POEC 6362 (PSCI 6362) Political Development (3 semester hours) This
course will survey different perspectives and theories of political
development. Topics covered include the role of the state, democratization,
political stability, civil society and environmental concerns, among others.
(3-0) T
POEC 6364 (ECON 6351) Development Economics (3 semester hours) An
overview of theories of national economic growth and development, with emphasis
on economy-wide modeling, application of micro-economic theories, and domestic
sectoral policy. (3-0) R
POEC 6366 International Economics (3 semester hours) The course focuses
on international trade theory and the ongoing process of regional integration
in the
POEC 6368 (SOC 6368 and ECON 6358) Population and Development (3
semester hours) Examines the relations among population, resources, economic
development, and the environment in light of conflicting Malthusian and
anti-Malthusian paradigms. Topics include fertility, mortality, public health,
human capital, use of resources, and environmental impacts at local, regional,
and global scales. (3-0) T
POEC 6374 (PA 6374) Financial Management
for Non-profit Organizations (3 semester hours) This course introduces the
basic concepts of third sector financial literacy. Curriculum includes
financial planning and budgeting, monitoring of contracts and grants, and
reporting mechanisms. (3-0) R
POEC 6375 (PA 6375) History and Theories
of the American Philanthropic Sector (3 semester hours) This course
examines the evolution of non-profit and philanthropic organization and their
role in American society. (3-0) R.
POEC 6376 (PA 6376) Assessment and
Outcomes for Non-profit Organizations (3 semester hours) Accountability is
a pervasive theme for the third sector, especially considering its diverse
sources of funding. This course examines qualitative and quantitative
measurement tools as well as the sector’s most successful practices.
(3-0) R.
POEC 6379 Special Topics in Development Studies (3 semester hours)
Topics vary from semester to semester. (May be repeated for credit to a maximum
of 9 hours. However, MPA or doctoral students may not take more than 3 hours of
their concentration requirement from POEC 6379 and POEC 6376.) (3-0) T
POEC 6V76 Policy Research Workshop in Development Studies (3-9 semester
hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project. Topics vary
from semester to semester. However, students may substitute an individual Field
Research Project for this workshop; the project must be approved by the faculty
of the
POEC 6V81 Special Topics in Political Economy (1-9 semester hours)
Topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit as topics
vary. ([1-9]-0)
POEC
POEC 7300 Advances in Criminology Theory (3 semester hours) This course
examines the contemporary criminological theory literature and analyzes the
degree to which research has provided empirical support and validation for
explanations of crime and criminality.�
POEC 6303 and POEC 6324 recommended. (3-0) T
POEC 7301 Seminar in Criminology Research (3 semester hours) Students
plan and execute and independent research project from research design through
data collection and analysis of quantitative or qualitative data.� POEC 5312, POEC 5313, POEC 5316, POEC 6307
and POEC 6324 recommended. (3-0) R
POEC 7304 (ECON 6325) Cost-Benefit Analysis (3 semester hours) Examines
methods for measuring costs and benefits of public projects and policies, and
the application of cost-benefit analysis to areas such as economic development,
water resources, recreation, transportation, regulation, and the environment.
(3-0) T
POEC 7319 (ECON 6336) Economics of Education (3 semester hours) This
seminar examines a number of important educational policy questions. To provide
a basis for the discussion of these questions, members of the seminar read a
common set of theoretical and empirical writings relating to educational
policy. The issues considered will include the link between educational
achievement and earnings, the role of early childhood, assessments of head
start and pre-school programs, the effectiveness of compensatory education and
tutoring programs, the large and persistent achievement gap between children
from minority and low-income families and those from middle-income Asian and
white families, a critical examination of educational production functions, the
extent and consequences of school segregation, bilingual education programs,
special education programs, international comparisons of student achievement
and schools, school finance and an examination of various school reform
proposals. (3-0) T
POEC 7320 (PSCI 7320) International Negotiations (3 semester hours) This
course examines both the substance and the process of international
negotiations. Students study the theory and analysis of negotiations and
identify issues, interests and positions of the parties. The course covers the
substantive areas of arms control, trade, and environmental negotiations. The
course moves from the analysis of simple, bilateral negotiations with only a
few issues in contention to complex multilateral negotiations. (3-0) R
POEC 7321 Seminar on Business and Government (3 semester hours) Examines
the interactions between markets and the state from a comparative and public
policy perspective. Special emphasis will be placed on issues involving
industry regulation/deregulation, antitrust/competition, innovation/industrial
policy, infrastructure investment, intellectual property, social regulation,
and global trade/investment. (3-0) Y
POEC 7323 (ECON 6343) Economic Regulation of Business (3 semester hours)
Studies the rationale for, and the history and political-economic results of,
government intervention in markets in the form of (1) direct regulation of
prices, quantity, entry and exit, and product quality in industries (utility,
communication, and transportation), and (2) indirect intervention through
antitrust laws and the regulation of advertising. Government deregulation and
changes in antitrust institutions also are explored. Prerequisite: ECON 5321 or
ECON 5301 or POEC 5307. (3-0) T
POEC 7327 (ECON 6345) Innovation Dynamics and Economic Change (3
semester hours) Examines the convergence of the information technology and
telecom industries. Explores the role of technological innovation together with
economic, institutional, and legal-regulatory issues shaping the new IT-Telecom
industry within both domestic and geopolitical contexts. (3-0) T
POEC 7329 (ECON 7331) Special Topics in Industry and Public Policy (3
semester hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. (May be repeated for
credit to a maximum of 9 hours. However, MPA or doctoral students may not take
more than 3 hours of their concentration requirement from POEC 7329). (3-0) T
POEC 7330 Special Topics in Institutions and Processes (3 semester
hours) Topics vary from semester to semester. (May be repeated for credit to a
maximum of 9 hours. However, MPA or doctoral students may not take more than 3
hours of the concentration requirement from POEC 7330 and POEC 7326.) (3-0) T
POEC 7340 (PA 6340 and SOC 6340) Domestic Social Policy (3 semester
hours) Overview of governmental and nongovernmental programs, policies, and
institutions dealing with those who cannot function self-sufficiently within
the American market economy, including low-income families, the elderly, the
unemployed, and people with disabilities. Analyzes how social policy in the
United States reflects the political economy and culture, as well as social and
demographic trends. (3-0) Y
POEC 7341 (SOC 6357) Health Policy (3 semester hours) The history and
political economy of the U.S. health care system and a review of major
governmental programs to expand access to appropriate services, control rising
costs, ensure the quality of care, and promote health through prevention. Analysis
of current and recent proposals for reform of health care policy. (3-0) Y
POEC 7344 (SOC 6344) Gender and Public Policy (3 semester hours)
Explores issues of gender and public policy in the U.S. Topics include gender
critiques of welfare state policy, gender and poverty, women in the military,
the politics (and political economy) of sex and sexuality, anti-sexual
harassment policies. (3-0) R
POEC 7359 Special Topics in Policy Methods (3 semester hours) Topics
vary from semester to semester. (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9
hours.) (3-0) R
POEC 7368 (GISC 7368, PA 6385, SOC 7368)
Spatial Epidemiology (3 semester hours) Examines the conceptual and
analytic tools used to understand how spatial distributions of exposure impact
on processes and patterns of disease. Emphasizes the special design,
measurement, and analysis issues associated with spatial patterns of diseases.
Contemporary diseases of public health importance are addressed, and the
statistical and inferential skills are provided that can be used in
understanding how spatial patterns arise and their implications for
intervention. Prerequisite: POEC 5313 or equivalent. (3-0) R
POEC 7370 (ECON 6315 and PSCI 6315) Time Series Analysis (3 semester
hours) The course considers several important topics in applied time series
analysis including the specification and testing Box-Jenkins transfer
function/intervention models. Other topics include pooled cross-sectional time
series models, VAR, the LSE Approach, unit-roots, cointegration, error
correction models, encompassing and exogeneity tests, and ARFIMA models.
Students also learn how to use programs such as Eviews and RATS. (3-0) R
POEC 7376 Special Topics in Social Policy (3 semester hours) Topics vary
from semester to semester. (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours.
MPA or doctoral students may not take more than 3 hours of their concentration
requirement from policy research workshops and POEC 7376.) (3-0) T
POEC 7380 (ECON 7380 and GISC 7380)
Applied Multivariate Analysis (3 semester hours) Application of
multivariate statistical techniques to spatial and economic data. Covers parametric
and non-parametric statistical theory and application including multiple linear
and non-linear regression, poisson, and binomial regression, principal components
and factor analysis, discriminant function analysis, and canonical correlation.
Includes an introduction to SAS computing. Prerequisites: GISC 5316 or POEC
5316 or ECON 5311 (3-0) R
POEC 7V20 Workshop in Teaching
Effectiveness (1-3 credit hours) Workshop will focus on preparing students
for positions as teaching assistants, lecturers, and those who expect to teach
as a career in the Social Sciences. Emphasis will be placed on videotaped
student presentations and feedback, guest presentations, student visits to EPPS
faculty classes. [(1-3)-0] R.
POEC 7V26 Policy Research Workshop in Institutions and Processes (3-9
semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project on
the political economy of public policy decisions in the context of
institutional settings, such as legislatures, executive or administrative
agencies, courts, or metropolitan systems. (May be repeated for credit to a
maximum of 6 hours.� ([3-9]-0) T
POEC 7V47 (PA 7V47) Policy Research Workshop in Health Care Policy (3-9
semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project.
(May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 hours. MPA or doctoral students
may not take more than 3 hours of their concentration requirement from policy
research workshops and POEC 7376.)�
([3-9]-0) T
POEC 7V62 Policy Research Workshop in Social Policy (3-9 semester hours)
Students join a faculty member in a group research project. (May be repeated
for credit to a maximum of 6 hours.) ([3-9]-0) T
POEC 7V64 Policy Research Workshop in Poverty Research and Policy (3-9
semester hours) Students join a faculty member in a group research project.
(May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 6 hours).� ([3-9]-0) T
POEC 8398 (ECON 8V01) Dissertation Seminar (3 semester hours) A seminar
for students preparing proposals or writing dissertations. Prerequisite:
Successful completion of qualifying examination or consent of instructor. (May
be repeated for credit.) (3-0) S
POEC 8V01 Independent Study (1-9 semester hours) Provides faculty
supervision for student’s individual study of a topic agreed upon by the
student and the faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (May
be repeated for credit.) ([1-9]-0) R
POEC 8V97 Internship (1-9 semester
hours) Provides faculty supervision for a student’s internship.� Internships must be related to the
student’s coursework. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. ([1-9]-0) R
POEC 8V99 Dissertation (3-9 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision
of a student’s dissertation research. Prerequisite: Consent of
instructor. (May be repeated for credit.) ([3-9]-0) S