Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.190.424

Policy Disasters

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.16)

Investigates the causes of large-scale policy disasters, examining the role of ideology, psychology, organization design and political incentives. Examples may be drawn from the Iraq War, Bay of Pigs, Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Financial crisis, Shuttle Challenger disaster. economic development policy, privatization, and the Great Society. Limited to seniors or with permission of instructor. (CP / AP)

Spring 2013

(4.48)

Spring 2014

(3.83)

Spring 2013

Professor: Steven Teles

(4.48)

The best aspects of this course included the engaging lectures, the instructor’s knowledge of the course content, and his presentation of the material. Some students found the workload and the rapidity at which the instructor delivered the material excessive and difficult to manage; that alongside the readings, it was very difficult to complete and turn in the required papers while, also, keeping up with the pace. One suggestion was for the instructor to clarify the material covered on the final before it’s administered so that students can adequately review. Another suggestion included lightening the 234 intensity of the workload. Prospective students should know that this course is both reading and writing-intensive.

Spring 2014

Professor: Steven Teles

(3.83)

The best aspects of this course included the dynamic and engaging lectures, and the interesting topics. The course deals with very current events and the instructor adapted the topics well to incorporate real world examples. The worst aspect of the course was the lack of organization, with many students referencing ambiguous or unclear dates for exams as one example. Suggested improvements to the course included al owing for a more open discussion and better organization. Prospective students should know that they wil read about one book per week of interesting material and should be prepared to contribute to the class discussion.