Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

MAS in Science, Technology and Policy Information
Core Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
860-0001-00LPublic Institutions and Policy-Making Processes Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 25.

Priority for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and MAS students.
O3 credits3GT. Bernauer, S. Bechtold, F. Schimmelfennig
AbstractStudents acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard.
ObjectivePublic policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organisations.
ContentPublic policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies. They learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels, and what challenges arise in this regard. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organisations.
Lecture notesReading materials will be distributed electronically to the students when the semester starts.
LiteratureBaylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens (2014): The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Caramani, Daniele (ed.) (2014): Comparative Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gilardi, Fabrizio (2012): Transnational Diffusion: Norms, Ideas, and Policies, in Carlsnaes, Walter, Thomas Risse and Beth Simmons, Handbook of International Relations, 2nd Edition, London: Sage, pp. 453-477.

Hage, Jaap and Bram Akkermans (eds.) (2nd edition 2017): Introduction to Law, Heidelberg: Springer.

Jolls, Christine (2013): Product Warnings, Debiasing, and Free Speech: The Case of Tobacco Regulation, Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics 169: 53-78.

Lelieveldt, Herman and Sebastiaan Princen (2011): The Politics of European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lessig, Lawrence (2006): Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, Version 2.0, New York: Basic Books. Available at Link.

Schimmelfennig, Frank and Ulrich Sedelmeier (2004): Governance by Conditionality: EU Rule Transfer to the Candidate Countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in: Journal of European Public Policy 11(4): 669-687.

Shipan, Charles V. and Craig Volden (2012): Policy Diffusion: Seven Lessons for Scholars and Practitioners. Public Administration Review 72(6): 788-796.

Sunstein, Cass R. (2014): The Limits of Quantification, California Law Review 102: 1369-1422.

Thaler, Richard H. and Cass R. Sunstein (2003): Libertarian Paternalism. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 93: 175-179.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis is a Master level course. The course is capped at 25 students, with ISTP Master students having priority.
860-0001-01LPublic Institutions and Policy-Making Processes; Research Paper Restricted registration - show details
Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and MAS.

Prerequisite: you have to be enrolled in 860-0001-00L during the same semester.
O3 credits3AT. Bernauer, S. Bechtold, F. Schimmelfennig
AbstractThis is an add-on module to the course: 860-0001-00L. It focuses on students writing an essay on an issue covered by the main course 860-0001-00L.
ObjectiveStudents learn how to write an essay on a policy issue they select.
ContentPublic policies result from decision-making processes that take place within formal institutions of the state (parliament, government, public administration, courts). That is, policies are shaped by the characteristics of decision-making processes and the characteristics of public institutions and related actors (e.g. interest groups). In this course, students acquire the contextual knowledge for analyzing public policies - hence this course is complementary to the ISTP course on concepts and methods of policy analysis. Students learn why and how public policies and laws are developed, designed, and implemented at national and international levels. The course is organized in three modules. The first module (taught by Stefan Bechtold) examines basic concepts and the role of law, law-making, and law enforcement in modern societies. The second module (taught by Thomas Bernauer) deals with the functioning of legislatures, governments, and interest groups. The third module (taught by Frank Schimmelfennig) focuses on the European Union and international organizations.
Lecture notesSee 860-0001-00L
LiteratureBaylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens (2014): The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Bernauer, T., Jahn, D., Kuhn, P., Walter, S. (2009, 2012): Einführung in die Politikwissenschaft (Introduction to Political Science). Baden-Baden: Nomos / UTB.

Caramani, Daniele (ed.) (2014): Comparative Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gilardi, Fabrizio (2012): Transnational Diffusion: Norms, Ideas, and Policies, in Carlsnaes, Walter, Thomas Risse and Beth Simmons, Handbook of International Relations, 2nd Edition, London: Sage, pp. 453-477.

Hage, Jaap and Bram Akkermans (eds.) (2nd edition 2017): Introduction to Law, Heidelberg: Springer, available as an ebook at ETH library.

Jolls, Christine (2013): Product Warnings, Debiasing, and Free Speech: The Case of Tobacco Regulation, Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics 169: 53-78.

Lelieveldt, Herman and Sebastiaan Princen (2011): The Politics of European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lessig, Lawrence (2006): Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, Version 2.0, New York: Basic Books. Available at Link.

Schimmelfennig, Frank and Ulrich Sedelmeier (2004): Governance by Conditionality: EU Rule Transfer to the Candidate Countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in: Journal of European Public Policy 11(4): 669-687.

Shipan, Charles V. and Craig Volden (2012): Policy Diffusion: Seven Lessons for Scholars and Practitioners. Public Administration Review 72(6): 788-796.

Sunstein, Cass R. (2014): The Limits of Quantification, California Law Review 102: 1369-1422.

Thaler, Richard H. and Cass R. Sunstein (2003): Libertarian Paternalism. American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 93: 175-179.
Prerequisites / NoticeAccess only for ISTP MSc students also enrolled in 860-0001-00L
860-0002-00LQuantitative Policy Analysis and ModelingO6 credits4GA. Patt, S. Hanger-Kopp, S. Pfenninger, T. Schmidt
AbstractThe lectures will introduce students to the principles of quantitative policy analysis, namely the methods to predict and evaluate the social, economic, and environmental effects of alternative strategies to achieve public objectives. A series of graded assignments will give students an opportunity for students to apply those methods to a set of case studies
ObjectiveThe objectives of this course are to develop the following key skills necessary for policy analysts:
- Identifying the critical quantitative factors that are of importance to policy makers in a range of decision-making situations.
- Developing conceptual models of the types of processes and relationships governing these quantitative factors, including stock-flow dynamics, feedback loops, optimization, sources and effects of uncertainty, and agent coordination problems.
- Develop and program numerical models to simulate the processes and relationships, in order to identify policy problems and the effects of policy interventions.
- Communicate the findings from these simulations and associated analysis in a manner that makes transparent their theoretical foundation, the level and sources of uncertainty, and ultimately their applicability to the policy problem.
The course will proceed through a series of policy analysis and modeling exercises, involving real-world or hypothetical problems. The specific examples around which work will be done will concern the environment, energy, health, and natural hazards management.
860-0003-00LCornerstone Science, Technology, and Policy Restricted registration - show details
Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc, MAS and PhD.
O2 credits2ST. Bernauer
AbstractThis course introduces students to the MSc STP and MAS STP program in two ways. First, it provides a general introduction to the study of STP. Second, it exposes students to a variety of complex policy problems and ways and means of coming up with proposals for and assessments of policy options.
ObjectiveThis course introduces students to the MSc STP and MAS STP program in two ways. First, it provides a general introduction to the study of STP. Second, it exposes students to a variety of complex policy problems and ways and means of coming up with proposals for and assessments of policy options.
ContentDay 1: Introduction to the study of Science, Technology and Policy / getting to know each other, social event
Day 2: Knowledge assessment in areas marked by controversy over scientific evidence
Day 3: Challenges of urban development / Energy transition and sustainable mobility
Day 4: Mitigating and adapting to climate change / Managing international water resources
Day 5: Implications of digital society / Policy planning exercise
Prerequisites / NoticeReserved for the ISTP MSC and MAS students
860-0004-00LBridging Science, Technology, and Policy Restricted registration - show details
Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc, MAS and PhD.
O3 credits2ST. Bernauer
AbstractThis course focuses on technological innovations from the beginning of humanity through the industrial revolution up until today. It provides students with a deeper understanding of the factors that drive technological innovations, and the roles government policies, society, science, and industry play in this regard.
ObjectiveThis course picks up on the ISTP Cornerstone Science, Technology and Policy course and goes into greater depth on issues covered in that course, as well as additional issues where science and technology are among the causes of societal challenges but can also help in finding solutions.
ContentWeek 1: no class because of ISTP Cornerstone Science, Technology and Policy course
Week 2: technology & society in historical perspective - technological innovations up to the industrial revolution
Week 3: technology & society in historical perspective - technological innovations during the industrial revolution - engines & electricity
Week 4: technology & society in historical perspective - from the industrial revolution to modernity - mobility and transport (railroads, ships, cars, airplanes, space)
Week 5: food production: the green revolutions.
Week 6: microelectronics, computing & the internet
Week 7: life sciences: pharmaceuticals & diagnostic technology
Week 8: energy: primary fuels, renewables, networks
Week 9: automation: self-driving cars & trains, drones
Week 10: communication & Big Data: semiconductors and software
Week 11: military & security issues associated with technological innovation
Week 12: possible futures (1): nuclear fusion, geoengineering
Week 13: possible Future (2): information, communication, robotics, synthetic biology, nanotech, quantum computing
Lecture notesCourse materials will be given to the students prior to the start of each class
860-0005-00LColloquium Science, Technology, and Policy (HS) Restricted registration - show details
Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and MAS.
O1 credit2KT. Bernauer
AbstractPresentations by invited guest speakers from academia and practice/policy. Students are assigned to play a leading role in the discussion and write a report on the respective event.
ObjectivePresentations by invited guest speakers from academia and practice/policy. Students are assigned to play a leading role in the discussion and write a report on the respective event.
ContentSee program on the ISTP website: Link
Prerequisites / Noticeopen to anyone from ETH
860-0007-00LPrinciples of Economics Restricted registration - show details
Only for Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and MAS.
O3 credits2VS. Sarferaz, J.‑P. Nicolai
AbstractThis course is an introduction to the study of economics. Students will learn about the economic way of thinking, the functioning of a market economy, as well as the potentials and limitations of economic policies to govern the behavior of individuals and the economy. The course is divided into two parts, the first covering microeconomic analysis, and the second on macroeconomics.
ObjectiveThe first part of the course focuses on microeconomic analysis, including the behavior of individuals and firms, supply and demand analysis, and market failures. Students will also be introduced to the use of microeconomic thought to influence the behavior of individuals and firms and to address market failures.
The second part focuses on macroeconomic concepts, including national production, employment, inflation, and growth theories. Students will then learn about macroeconomic policies, such as monetary and fiscal policy, often used to stabilize short-run economic fluctuations.
Lecture notesLecture slides will be made available by email or via course website.
LiteratureMankiw, N. G. and Taylor, M. P. (2014), Economics, Cengage Learning, 3rd Edition.
869-0101-00LCommunicating with Stakeholders and Policy-Makers Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to10.

Only for MAS in Science, Technology and Policy and Science, Technology and Policy MSc.
O2 credits1GH. de Bruijn
Abstract
Objective
869-0102-00LDesign Thinking: A Human-Centered Approach to Problem-Solving Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to10.

Only for MAS in Science, Technology and Policy and Science, Technology and Policy MSc.
O1 credit1GS. Brusoni, A. Repetti
AbstractThe purpose of this course is to equip the students with methods and tools to tackle a broad range of problems. Following a Design Thinking approach, the students will learn how to observe and interact with key stakeholders in order to develop an in-depth understanding of what is truly important and emotionally meaningful to the people at the center of a problem.
ObjectiveThe purpose of this course is to equip the students with methods and tools to tackle a broad range of problems. Following a Design Thinking approach, the students will learn how to observe and interact with key stakeholders in order to develop an in-depth understanding of what is truly important and emotionally meaningful to the people at the center of a problem. Based on these insights, the students will ideate on possible solutions and immediately validated them through quick iterations of prototyping and testing using different tools and materials. .
ContentParticipants are expected to discover, explore and share valuable skills outside their expertise through agile and collaborative teamwork and hands-on exercises. During the entire process, they will be supported through team skill-building exercises, short theoretical presentations and experienced coaching.
869-0103-00LNegotiations Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to10.

Only for MAS in Science, Technology and Policy and Science, Technology and Policy MSc.
O2 credits1GC. Garcia
AbstractFor two days, the participants will take on the role of CEOs of logging and mining companies operating in the Congo Basin, developing strategies and responding to global changes. They will shape the landscape, and reflect on the ecological, economic and social impacts of their decisions.
ObjectiveThe tropical forests stand at the cross-road. The combined and interacting effects of land-use change, resource extraction, defaunation and climate change are pushing these ecosystems towards critical points where transitions to altered states will happen. The future of these forests depends on our capacity to understand and anticipate these transitions.
In this module the participants will understand the drivers behind land use change in the tropics, and will explore some the pitfalls and opportunities new markets and policies can create for the local communities and the ecosystems of the region. They will negociate new pathways of collective action and learn to cope with uncertainty.
ContentParticipants will use a game developped to explore the links between mining and logging in the Congo Basin. Each game will be followed up by a debriefing to analyse the outcomes of the strategies developped by the participants and invent possible new forms of collective action. We will link what happens in the game with highlitghts from the field. Finally, we will discuss on the use of boundary objects and particularly games to handle negociations in environmental contexts.
Lecture notesNone
LiteratureGeist HJ & Lambin EF (2002) Proximate Causes and Underlying Driving Forces of Tropical Deforestation. Bioscience 52(2):143-150.

Fernbach PM, Rogers T, Fox CR, & Sloman SA (2013) Political Extremism Is Supported by an Illusion of Understanding. Psychological Science 24(6):939-946.

Game ET, Meijaard E, Sheil D, & McDonald-Madden E (2014) Conservation in a Wicked Complex World; Challenges and Solutions. Conservation Letters 7(3):271-277.

Garcia C, Dray A, & Waeber P (2016) Learning Begins When the Game Is Over: Using Games to Embrace Complexity in Natural Resources Management. GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society 25(4):289-291.

Potapov, P., Hansen, M. C., Laestadius L., Turubanova S., Yaroshenko A., Thies C., Smith W., Zhuravleva I., Komarova A., Minnemeyer S., Esipova E. 2016. The last frontiers of wilderness: Tracking loss of intact forest landscapes from 2000 to 2013. Science Advances, 2017; 3:e1600821 Link

Potapov P., Yaroshenko A., Turubanova S., Dubinin M., Laestadius L., Thies C., Aksenov D., Egorov A., Yesipova Y., Glushkov I., Karpachevskiy M., Kostikova A., Manisha A., Tsybikova E., Zhuravleva I. 2008. Mapping the World's Intact Forest Landscapes by Remote Sensing. Ecology and Society, 13 (2) Link
Prerequisites / NoticeNone
860-0006-00LEssential Tools and Statistics for Impact and Policy Evaluation Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 20.

Science, Technology, and Policy MSc and MAS students have priority.

This lecture had been offered until autumn semester 2017 with the title "Applied Statistics and Policy Evaluation". Students who has completed that lecture cannot take credit points for this lecture again.
O3 credits2GL. Beiser-McGrath
AbstractThis course aims to equip students with the basic knowledge and skills to both understand and conduct the evaluation of policies. This will involve both learning about statistical models and their appropriateness for estimating causal effects, as well as developing skills using statistical software to implement these models.
ObjectiveStudents will:
- know strategies to test causal hypotheses using regression analysis and/or experimental methods
- be able to critically interpret results of applied statistics, in particular, regarding causal inference
- be able to critically read and assess published studies on policy evaluation
- learn to use the statistical software R
ContentThis course aims to equip students with the basic knowledge and skills to both understand and conduct the evaluation of policies. The first part of the course offers a thorough treatment of the classical linear regression model, the workhorse model for quantitative data analysis, and the program R that will be used for statistical analysis. The second part of the course focuses on more advanced methods that aim to estimate causal effects from observational data.
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