Advanced ALESS II

In Week 1 - 3, the instructor will outline some of the known features of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a brief history of its early stages and the response of the political and health community, concentrating on the United Kingdom. Between Weeks 4 – 7, we will review some of the evidence in favour of certain intervention measures, for instance lockdowns and vaccinations. An attempt will be made to try to evaluate how sucessful these interventions were. Students will discuss their own experiences and debate the pros and cons for different interventions. In the second half of the semester, a specific topic will be chosen (e.g. lockdowns) and students will form small discussion sub-groups that will investigate one aspect of the topic in detail (e.g. policy making, enforcement, epidemiology, limitations on freedom of movement, economic consequences). The outcome of these sub-groups will be shared with the class. For the final assessment, students will select a particular issue relating to the COVID-19 pandemic that they are interested in. They will write a 1000 word short report on their topic of choice and make a PowerPoint presentation to the class.

Small group tutorial format. The class is suitable for students at all levels of English ability.

【Please note that this course uses a five-point grading scale of A+, A, B, C, or F(Fail).】 Presentation 20%, Report 30%, Class participation 50%

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【If the number of students enrolling in this course exceeds 20, there may be a selection process. Instructions for the selection process will be given in the first class, so if you are interested in taking this course, please be sure to attend the first class.】 This class is suitable for students of any academic background, but an interest in the application of science in public policy is useful.

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