Public expenditure accounts for a large fraction of the economy and has a major impact on its functioning. You will apply theories that allow us to analyse the economic role played by the state. Using the tools of microeconomics and empirical analysis, you will study the impact of government policies on individual behaviour and the distribution of resources in the economy. We will explore the economic arguments for and against government intervention in the economy, also introducing insights from behavioural economics into the analysis and design of public policies. You will review literatures on relevant and timely policy issues.
Lecture 24, Workshop 8
Online seminar test. (40 mins) worth 40%. The online seminar test takes place in person during the seminar in a 2 hour supervised session.
Guided essay (1250 words) worth 60%.
Reassessment Method: Like for like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Elaborate on the economic arguments for and against government provision of goods.
2) Discuss critically key issues in public economics, and discuss the problems associated with collective decision making
3) Demonstrate a familiarity with a range of policy issues and relevant analytical tools
4) Develop presentation skills and demonstrate knowledge of recent literature on current policy issues
5) Discuss critically key issues in behavioural public economics, understand main biases in individual decision making and public economic problems that arise from such biases.
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