Indonesia - International Field Studies in Policy Analysis for Agriculture and Natural Resources

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practice of policy analysis. The course will begin with a review of sample of policy analysis tools that are used to assess policy proposals to solve real world problems and compare them with a similar analysis of alternative policies. The policy analysis tools include ex ante cost benefit analysis (CBA), the policy analysis matrix (PAM), ex-post policy evaluation, and an identification of market failures. Students will be instructed in these policy impact analytics (PIA) and then get to apply what they have learned for real-world policy problems by framing and formulating the policy options at an early stage through non-partisan evaluation.

Students will be asked to compare alternative policy options using their likely economic, environmental and social impacts to inform decision-makers. They will apply principles of resource economics (including analysis of market and policy failures), institutional development (harnessing of a broad portfolio of assets – financial, natural, human, knowledge and social), good governance and incremental development.

Students will work with key stakeholders to identify the immediate and root causes of a policy problem and then to produce an iterative framework matrix of pragmatic policy scenarios and their likely development pathways for deeper analysis as well as early submission to policy-makers. After their field research is complete, teams will present their findings, conclusions, and recommendations to policy maker, community leaders and other key stakeholders.

LFS 303 can be taken in combination with LFS 302B: Impact Evaluation Analytics.

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
• Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating

Program-specific requirements

This program is suitable for students in the third or fourth year standing in Faculty of Land & Food Systems and/or in the following majors:

• Food, Nutrition and Health
• Global Resource Systems
• Human Geography
• International Relations
• Forestry
• Economics

9 credits of upper-level ECON or FRE courses strongly recommended.

A good background in Economics is strongly recommended. Final selection will be done by the lead faculty program directors. Spots in the program may be limited.

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Students will work in small groups of 6 to 8 with the aid of course instructors.

University of Indonesia dorms.

Approximate program fees: $1500 - $2000*

*The final fee depends on the number of students in the program.All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.