CRP 3210 - Introduction to Quantitative Methods for the Analysis of Public Policy

(CU-SBY)

Fall. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: introductory statistics and principles of economic analysis at the level of ECON 1110.

N. Klein.

This course introduces students to the principles of quantitative policy analysis. We consider core modeling tools used by planners and policy analysts to identify optimal choices in the face of interdependent alternatives, limited resources, and uncertainties. The models to be discussed are of the analytical, quantitative category, including decision trees, difference equations, linear programming, and benefit-cost analysis. Effectiveness in structuring complex problems and in reducing the complexity of a problem is the unifying theme in this wide array of tools. The course emphasizes the application to planning and public policy decision making. To that end, the lectures balance theoretical concepts, real-world applications, and computer simulations.