Advanced Public Economics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ECON3003 | Economics | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- ECON3003
- School
- Economics
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module studies what role the government plays and should play in a market economy, especially those policies that work through taxes and government spending. The goal is to provide an understanding of the reasons for government intervention in the economy, analysing the benefits of possible government policies, and the response of economic agents to the government's actions. The course covers topics such as tax and welfare policy, social insurance programs, social security, public goods, environmental protection, and education. The course combines theory along with empirical research on current policy issues such as inequality and poverty, tax reform, or health care policy.
Target Students
Available for final year Undergraduate students on Economics degree programmes (including final year Undergraduate students on the BA Jt Hons Politics and Economics and BSc Jt Hons Maths and Economics degrees). Not available for Exchange students.
Classes
This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The key aims of the module are:To stimulate an interest in public sector issues.To inform students of the current agenda of public economics.To instruct in the basic analytic and empirical techniques.To critically examine the measurement of and trends over time in income and wealth inequality in various countries.To understand the effect of taxation on economic efficiency and explore the optimal taxation of commodities and income.The module aims to enable the participants to develop: The capacity of making informed policy judgements in the field.The ability of identifying strategies to establish the effect of changes in taxation and regulations.Critical understanding of the main concepts and issues of public economics.Learning Outcomes
Emphasised Learning Outcomes for this module are such that students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
A3 Show understanding of analytical methods, both theory- and model-based.
A6 Extensive knowledge and skills in specific specialisms in economics.
Intellectual Skills:
B1 Work with abstract concepts and in a context of generality.
Professional/Practical Skills:
C1 Discuss and analyse government policy.
C4 Understand the context in which a problem is to be addressed.
Transferable/Key Skills:
D1 Apply mathematical, statistical and graphical techniques in an appropriate manner.