How to Change the World

University of ChicagoChicago, United States

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Program Details

Degree
Masters
Major
Anthropology | Public Policy Studies
Area of study
Social Sciences | Humanities
Course Language
English

Program Overview

Academics

The University of Chicago offers various academic programs, including:


  • Degree Programs
    • Master of Public Policy (MPP)
    • MS in Climate and Energy Policy (MSCEP)
    • MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy
    • Evening Master's Program (Part-time MA)
      • Program Overview
        • Curriculum, Course Sequence, & Degree Requirements
        • Application Process, Tuition, and Financial Aid
        • FAQ
      • Why Harris?
      • Admitted Students
        • Next Steps
        • Checklist and Timeline
        • Orientation
        • Student Life
      • Request Information
      • UChicago Employees
    • MA in Public Policy
    • MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods
      • Program Overview
      • Value of the Degree
        • Outcomes
      • Research Apprenticeship
    • PhD
      • Ph.D. Program Requirements
    • Joint Degree Programs
  • Design Your Path
    • Chicago Principles, Policies, and Perspectives
    • Core Curriculum
      • Core Project
    • Practical Experience
      • Harris Policy Labs
        • Engage Current Harris Students
      • Harris Policy Innovation Challenge
    • Specializations
      • Data Analytics Specialization
      • Education Policy Specialization
      • Energy & Environmental Policy Specialization
      • Finance & Policy Specialization
      • Gender and Policy Specialization
      • Global Conflict Studies Specialization
      • Health Policy Specialization
      • International Policy & Development Specialization
      • Markets & Regulation Specialization
      • Municipal Finance Specialization
      • Social and Economic Inequality Specialization
      • Survey Research Specialization
      • Certificates Outside Harris
    • University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars
      • Program Overview
      • How to Apply
      • FAQ
      • Program Partners
      • Meet the Scholars
        • 2024 - 2025 Scholars
        • 2023 - 2024 Scholars
        • Scholars
    • Workshops
      • PhD
      • Political Economy
        • Political Economy Workshop Archive
      • Public Policy & Economics
        • PPE Workshop Archive
  • Executive Education
    • Civic Leadership Academy
    • Credential Programs
    • Custom Programs
    • Social Impact Fellowship
  • Undergraduate Program
    • Overview
      • Declare Major
      • Practicum
        • Methods Courses
        • Windows Courses
      • Specializations
      • Internship in Public Policy
      • Study Abroad in Barcelona
    • BA Thesis Process
    • Capstone Projects
      • Archive | 2022 - 2023
      • Archive | 2023 - 2024
    • Community Highlights
    • Team
  • Courses
    • Non-Harris Student Registration
  • Academic Calendar

Admissions

The University of Chicago admissions process includes:


  • Why Public Policy?
  • Applying to Harris
    • International Students
      • Application Details
      • Finance Your Degree
      • Visa Requirements
    • FAQ
    • Admissions Resources
    • Harris Scholars Program
  • Requirements & Deadlines
  • Meet with Harris
    • Admissions Events
    • Connect with Our Students
    • Masterclass Series
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Schedule a Visit
      • Customized Group Visits
  • Financing Your Degree
    • Public Sector Scholarship
    • Loans & Work-Study
    • Third-Party Funding
    • Tuition & Expenses
  • Admissions Blog
  • Request Information

Student Life

The University of Chicago student life includes:


  • What to Expect
    • From Orientation to Graduation
    • Connect with Your Community
  • Student Engagement & Belonging
    • City of Chicago
    • Meet the Student Engagement & Belonging Team
    • Mentor Program
      • Participating as a Student
      • Serving as a Mentor
    • Our Campus Community
      • Campus Resources
      • Hyde Park
    • Student Organizations
  • Dean of Students Office
    • Academic Advising
    • Harris Writing Workshop
    • Academic Support Programs
    • Meet the Dean of Students Office
    • Student Emergency Resources
    • Policies

Career Development

The University of Chicago career development includes:


  • Careers in Courses
    • International Development
    • Municipal Finance
  • Signature Programs
  • Internship Program
  • Career Coaching
  • Career Outcomes
    • EMP Outcomes
    • Internship Outcomes
    • MSCAPP Outcomes
    • Overall Outcomes
    • Where Students Work
    • Archive
      • Overall Outcomes
      • EMP Outcomes 2024
      • Internship Outcomes 2024
      • MSCAPP Outcomes 2024
  • Alumni Career Support
  • Employers
    • Ready to Hire Harris?
    • Our Offer Policy
    • PhDs on the Job Market
      • Previous PhD Placements

Research & Impact

The University of Chicago research and impact includes:


  • Centers & Institutes
    • Center for Economic Policy
      • The History of Chicago Economics
    • Center for Effective Government
    • Center for Health Policy
    • Center for Human Potential and Public Policy (CHPPP)
      • Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab
    • Center for Impact Sciences
    • Center for Municipal Finance
    • Center for Survey Methodology
      • Candidate Name Order Project
    • Center for the Economics of Human Development
    • Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC)
    • International Innovation Corps
    • Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility
    • The Pearson Institute
      • Fellows & Alumni
    • Urban Labs
    • Affiliated Centers
  • Faculty Impact
    • Nobel Prize Winning Faculty
    • Faculty Directory
    • Expert Guide
  • Initiatives & Partnerships
    • Cyber Policy Initiative
    • Technology and Society Initiative

News & Events

The University of Chicago news and events include:


  • News
    • News
    • Profile
    • Research
    • In the News
    • Admissions Blog
  • Events
    • Academic Conferences
    • Admissions Events
      • Application Advice
      • International Students
      • Master of Public Policy (MPP) & MA in Public Policy
      • Credential Programs
      • MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy
      • MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM)
      • Evening Master's Program (EMP)
    • Alumni Events
    • Student Events
    • Special Events
    • Visiting Speakers
    • Past Events
  • Podcasts
    • Not Another Politics Podcast
    • The Inequality Podcast
    • Public Money Pod
    • Battle of the Branches
    • UChicago Public Policy Podcast Network
    • Shocked
  • Newsletters
    • Not Another Politics Newsletter
    • Pointed: Policy Research Newsletter
    • Public Money Policy Newsletter

Course Information

  • Course #: 35540
  • Section Number: 1
  • Day(s): Tuesday, Thursday
  • Time(s): 3:30pm-4:50pm
  • Term: Fall 2025
  • Course Instructor: Christopher Blattman
  • Specialization: International Policy
  • Syllabus: Syllabus 10/6/25
  • Course Description: So you want to make the world a better place, but how? So much policy fails. So many good intentions go awry. Why? What makes for good policy? What makes it bad? This is a class on the social science of policy-making---the lessons from economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology, plus the practical experiences of practitioners. We will focus on policy-making in a global context, especially international policy and development. While we will look at international organizations, the focus is on national and local development strategies and domestic policymakers and institutions. This is also a course about learning to read and write well. Readings each week will be heavy and difficult, but rewarding. There will be also weekly writing assignments that involve critical reviews of books, papers, and ideas. There are no requirements for the class. Any Masters student or advanced undergraduate is welcome to join the class. A class on economic development is recommended.

About University

University of Chicago Summary


Overview:

The University of Chicago is a prestigious research university located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, emphasis on independent thinking, and commitment to intellectual freedom. The university boasts a diverse community of scholars and students who contribute to groundbreaking research and advancements in various fields.


Services Offered:


Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse community, access to arts and culture, and a strong connection to the surrounding South Side neighborhood. Students can expect a challenging academic environment that fosters independent thinking and critical analysis.


Key Reasons to Study There:

    Rigorous academic programs:

    The university is renowned for its challenging and intellectually stimulating curriculum.

    Emphasis on independent thinking:

    Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and engage in original research.

    Intellectual freedom:

    The university provides a supportive environment for faculty and students to pursue their research interests without limitations.

    Field-defining research:

    The university has a long history of groundbreaking research and discoveries that have shaped various fields.

    Global impact:

    The university is actively involved in addressing global challenges through research, initiatives, and programs across the world.

Academic Programs:


Other:

The university is deeply connected to its surrounding community and invests in the South Side through initiatives in health, education, economic growth, and the arts. It also emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.

Top 15Average ranking globally
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Location