Faculty of Arts & Science
2015-2016 Calendar

Public Policy


Introduction

Solving real-world policy challenges requires the use of multi-disciplinary tools to analyze problems, determine the best means to deal with those problems, and decide on the best course of action.  An undergraduate Major in Public Policy provides a unique opportunity for students in Social Science disciplines to think in an interdisciplinary way, by drawing on theories and approaches, as well as tool kits developed in the core disciplines of Economics and Political Science, and beyond.  Students in this program develop theoretical and applied reasoning skills in policy analysis, as well as a solid grounding in quantitative methods and research.

Public Policy Programs

The Major program in Public Policy is offered jointly by the School of Public Policy, the Department of Economics, and the Department of Political Science. Students may enroll after their first- or second-year of undergraduate studies, and must meet the prerequisite conditions for all second-year and higher courses.
 
The Program Director and Program Assistant are available for consultation. For enquiries or an appointment call the Undergraduate Administrator, Petra Jory at 416-978-5402 or send an e-mail to p.jory@utoronto.ca.

Major in Public Policy (Arts program)

(7.5 FCEs)

The Major program in Public Policy is offered jointly by the School of Public Policy and Governance, the Department of Economics, and the Department of Political Science. Students enroll after first-year, and must meet the prerequisite conditions for all second-year and higher courses.

 

 

Major in Public Policy (7.5 FCEs)

 

First Year:

1. POL101Y1 (67%)

2. ECO100Y1 (67%) / ECO105Y1 (80%)

3. Optional: MAT133Y1 or equivalent (65%)

It is expected that a mark of 67 % in ECO100Y, or 80% in ECO105Y, a mark of 67% in POL101Y, (and a mark of 65% in MAT133Y or equivalent) will be required for admission in the coming cycle. Achieving that mark does not necessarily guarantee admission to the program in any given year. Students may enroll after their first- or second-year of study.

Second Year:

1. ECO200Y1/ECO204Y1/ECO206Y1/PPG200H1

2. ECO220Y1/POL242Y1/SOC202H1/STA220H1/STA221H1/STA248H1/STA255H1

3. POL214Y1

 

 

Third and Fourth Years:

1. PPG301H1

2. PPG401H1

3. Remaining FCEs to reach the 7.5 requirement will be drawn from 300-level+ courses drawn from Economics, Political Science, or related disciplines.

A non-exhaustive list of eligible courses includes:

With the approval of the program director, students can take public policy oriented courses outside this list.

 

 

Public Policy Courses


PPG200H1    Microeconomics for Policy Analysis[24L]

The objectives are: (1) To provide students with a foundation in microeconomic analysis and;

(2) To demonstrate how this foundation can be applied to design, predict the effects of and evaluate public policies.

Students will be equipped to understand the main issues on a range of policy topics such as taxation, social insurance, welfare and income support programs.

 

Prerequisite: ECO100Y1/ECO105Y1
Exclusion: ECO200Y1,ECO204Y1,ECO206Y1
Recommended Preparation: POL101Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a None course
Breadth Requirement: Society and its Institutions (3)

PPG301H1    Introduction to Public Policy[24L]

The course introduces students to the study of public policy, the policy process and our policy institutions in Canada. The course examines how issues emerge, how important ideas are framed, priorities are established, and agendas are set and managed. It explores how institutions – formal and informal rules which enable and constrain actors – shape policy-making in Canada.

Prerequisite: (ECO200Y1/ECO204Y1/ECO206Y1/PPG200H1), (ECO220Y1/POL242Y1/SOC202H1/STA220H1/STA221H1/STA248H1/STA255H1/STA261H1), POL214Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: Society and its Institutions (3)

PPG401H1    The Role of Government[24L]

This course explores the government’s role in promoting efficiency and equity in both the financing and delivery of public policy goals. It explores the conditions when government involvement is important, the policy levers available to government in promoting social policy, market failures, and conditions for efficiency. It examines the role of government in many of the major areas of social policy such as health care, education, redistribution, the environment, financial regulations and other important issues.

Prerequisite: PPG301H1
Recommended Preparation: ECO200Y1/ECO204Y1/ECO206Y1/PPG200H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: Society and its Institutions (3)