Analysis of public policy in the United States, recognizing the
broader social and economic impacts that selected policies at
all levels of government inflict on consumers. Students will
develop an understanding of how and why specific policies are
implemented, as well as assess the strengths and weaknesses of
different policy structures from a consumer well-being standpoint.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Graduate students will complete a policy-related research
proposal. Also, they must read an advanced policy book (either a
classic or a new book recognized by policy professionals as
significant to the field). Students will be required to complete a
written report or mini class lecture to undergraduates on this
policy book.
Athena Title
Consumer Policy
Prerequisite
FHCE 3150 or FHCE 3150E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will gain a greater appreciation for the powers and dangers of AI. They learn how AI should be managed to maximize its positive benefits.
Students will assess real-world AI policy scenarios, critically analyze case studies and apply frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of policy decisions.
Topical Outline
1. Rationale for consumer policy, conditions leading to market
failures, limitations of markets.
2. Government institutions and policy actors, federalism,
separation of powers.
3. Selected theories of politics and policymaking (e.g., Policy
Process Model, Elite Theory, Institutional Theory, Rational
Choice, Political Systems Theory).
4. Theoretical tools of consumer policy analysis: constrained
utility maximization, market equilibrium analysis, consumer
welfare.
5. Instruments of public policy (regulation, redistribution,
government management, consumer education).
6. Criteria of policy evaluation (e.g., effectiveness,
efficiency, feasibility, equity, ethics).
7. Current issues and controversies in consumer policy (e.g.,
budgetary policy, health care, social security, education
policy, environment protection).
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
