PA 11/13

Course Overview for Upcoming Classes

  • Next week will focus on comparative community assignments.

  • Total of 10% of course grade.

Class Schedule

  • Tuesday:

    • Overview of the assignment

    • Utilization of the website Opportunity Atlas

      • Visualizes socioeconomic and health data across the United States

      • Deep dive on operation of the website

  • Thursday:

    • Group work on assignment in small groups

    • Aim to complete the assignment during class time to avoid worries over Thanksgiving break

    • Assignment due: First class after Thanksgiving break (December session)

    • Includes both group and individual components

      • Group portion: Major part of the assignment

      • Individual section: Reflection on learned insights

Preparation Requirements

  • Bring:

    • Laptop or tablet device for collaborative work

    • Access to Google Docs and Opportunity Atlas

  • Opportunity Atlas: Publicly available and free to use

  • Reminder: Anti AWP feedback will be released soon.

Grades Update

  • Grades for previous assignments were completed and will be released soon.

  • Performance on grades was noted as excellent.

  • Upcoming due date: Policy Brief 3 due on December 4, last day of class.

Final Exam Info

  • Reminder for students with exam accommodations:

    • Use registration on Canvas to schedule final exam at Canvas testing center

    • Exam is set for Saturday morning during exam period at 8 AM.

    • Reservations should be made soon as slots are limited.

Policy Brief Assignment Overview

  • Purpose of the assignment: Synthesize knowledge on policy topic into a policy brief

  • Policy briefs vary in format, typically:

    • Short or long

    • Persuasive or objective

  • Objective format required for this assignment

    • Should present evidence without personal opinion

Expectations for Policy Brief

  • Length: 4-5 pages, double spaced, 12 font, 1-inch margins

  • Citation style: Consistent format required (no title page included)

Structure of the Assignment

  1. Contextualizing the Problem

    • Describe problem’s history, trends, and impacts

    • Make connections to at least two course concepts (specifically mention administrative burdens or federalism)

    • Relate to current events.

  2. Myths and Misconceptions

    • Discuss biases, weak evidence, and dubious claims surrounding the problem

  3. Solutions

    • Propose two solutions using researched evidence

    • Analyze pros and cons of each solution without personal opinion or bias

Recommendations

  • Seek peer feedback from classmates or utilize the writing center for assistance.

  • Template available in the assignment description is less detailed, adapted to various topics.

Additional Resources for Writing Policy Briefs

  • UNC Capitol Hill Writing Center: Resource for different types of policy briefs

  • California Policy Lab: Guidelines for writing policies

  • LBJ School Research Centers: Publications to understand policy writing better

Submission Details

  • Assignment due: Thursday, December 4, 3:30 PM

  • Encourage students to start working on the assignment early.

Class Activities

Hypothetical Class Policies Discussion

  • Discussion on potential effects of hypothetical policies:

    • Laptop Ban: Intended to enhance concentration in class

      • Unintended effects: Increased phone usage, distractions like social media

    • Quizzes Instead of Final Exam: Intended to encourage engagement with course readings

      • Unintended effects: Possible increases in cheating and reduced attendance

Discussion on Unintended Outcomes in Policy Making

  • Policies may produce unintended outcomes due to assumptions made by policymakers about rational behaviors.

  • Ambiguity neglect: Policymakers often act with uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of policies.

  • Externalities: Effects of one individual's choices on non-involved individuals

    • Negative example: Urban freeway construction may displace residents.

    • Positive example: Smoking bans may enhance outdoor dining experiences.

Framework for Understanding Unintended Outcomes

  • Different types of unintended outcomes:

    • Perverse Incentives: Policies that unintentionally reward the very behavior they aim to reduce.

    • Information Problems:

      • Adverse Selection: High-risk individuals disproportionately participate in certain programs.

      • Moral Hazard: Individuals engage in riskier behaviors knowing they are protected by a policy.

Case Studies of Unintended Outcomes

  • Mexico City Air Pollution Initiative: Intended to reduce pollution but resulted in increased emissions due to more cars purchased.

  • COBRA Effect: Initiative to reduce cobra population led to breeding and increased numbers.

  • Tenure Clock Stop Policies: Gender-neutral policy led to men utilizing extended time for publications while women engaged in household activities, leading to wider gender disparities.

  • Naloxone Access Laws: Although intending to increase naloxone availability for overdose emergencies, these policies led to increased opioid use among high-risk populations due to changes in perceived risk.

Conclusion

  • Reminder: Policy Brief Assignment critical towards course completion and winter break.

  • Questions or clarifications are encouraged as the class continues.