Economics

Economics
From this aspect, therefore, the whole of economics can be reduced to a single lesson, and that lesson can be reduced to
a single sentence. The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act
or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups.
– H. Hazlitt
Team Policy Project
Your team will choose an economic problem and propose an original policy that addresses that problem in the
context of a particular country. You are welcome to choose a problem we have not discussed in class. Please
choose a country other than the United States or any other country which is represented by someone on your
team.
Policy Proposal due before midnight Oct 12:
Submit a 2-3 page proposal for your project. This is an informal document that should include the following:
1. The country in which your policy will be enacted
2. A brief statement of the problem you wish to address
3. A brief statement of the policy you wish to propose to solve the problem (you may revise this later)
4. An initial list of information you will need to gather
Final Policy Report due before midnight on Nov 12:
Submit a team report of approximately 10 pages discussing the problem and country situation, and proposed
policy. Use the outline below.
1. Introduction (1-2 pages)
a. A summary of the situation/problem
b. A brief synopsis of the proposed solution
c. A brief outline of the paper
2. The problem
a. A more in depth discussion of the situation/problem
b. Include any incentive or information problems
c. What are the existing institutions that affect this situation?
3. The policy
a. A complete description of the policy
b. Intended short-term effects (incentives, information, institutions)
c. Intended long-term effects (incentives, information, institutions)
4. Conclusion (2-3 pages)
a. Possible harmful effects of the policy
b. Possible obstacles to implementation (incentives, information, institutions)
c. Needed future research (What do you need to know before you enact this policy?)
For your report, please use the following format:
• 12 point Times New Roman font
• 1 inch margins
• Double spaced
• Separate title page with the names of all team members (not included in the page count)
• Citations on a separate reference page (not included in the page count)
Presentation: Your presentations should be 10-15 minutes. Your team has a lot of creative license in how you
choose to present your problem and policy. You may sing, rap, act, record your presentation and play it back as
a video, create a public service announcement, etc. You may also simply talk about your problem/policy. You
should be prepared to answer questions regarding your presentation.
You will be graded on the following:
• Creative approach to topic (5%)
• Well-developed argument proposing the policy (25%)
• Thorough analysis of short and long term effects incorporating incentives, information, and institutions
(25%)
• Organization and readability (10%)
• Use of credible outside sources (5%)
• Preparedness for and delivery of presentation (30%)
• Incorporates all members of the group (points will be deducted if this criteria is not met)
Additionally, each team member should submit (via Blackboard) one paragraph describing their individual
contribution to the presentation and report.