Master
2024/2025
Public Economics
Type:
Compulsory course (Public Administration)
Area of studies:
Public Administration
Delivered by:
School of Economics and Finance
Where:
Faculty of Economics
When:
1 year, 3, 4 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Svetlana V. Suslova
Master’s programme:
Public Administration
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of public economics in policy-making. This syllabus provides a structured approach to understanding the principles of public economics within the context of public administration, preparing students for practical application in their future careers in policy-making and governance.
Topics include
• key concepts of public economics,
• the theoretical foundations of public finance, the impact of government intervention on economic efficiency, equity and social welfare, and
• the evaluation of the effectiveness of public policy, integrating theoretical concepts with real-world examples and case studies.
The learning objectives are for students
• to identify and discuss various policy problems that arise within the public sector,
• to propose appropriate policy responses to address market and government failures,
• to analyze the functioning of tax instruments and public expenditure programs, understanding their implications for equity and efficiency,
• to apply analytical tools to assess government actions.
Students practise using the AI tools that help them to develop critical thinking skills, which include the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, draw conclusions and make informed decisions. The training includes the identification and analysis of AI hallucinations. The examination of AI hallucinations develops students' critical thinking abilities. Students learn to identify errors in generated data, verify sources and evaluate alternative solutions. This equips them to manage public resources in an informed manner and make sound strategic decisions.
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to: 1. Describe fundamental concepts in public economics. 2. Identify and discuss various policy problems that arise within the public sector. 3. Analyze the reasons for government intervention. 4. Propose appropriate policy responses to address market and government failures. 5. Analyze the functioning of key tax instruments and public expenditure programs, understanding their implications for equity and efficiency. 6. Develop skills to critically evaluate existing public policies and their effectiveness, drawing on theoretical models and empirical evidence. 7. Apply analytical tools to assess government actions related to revenue generation and public spending.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to: 1. Describe fundamental concepts in public economics. 2. Identify and discuss various policy problems that arise within the public sector. 3. Analyze the reasons for government intervention. 4. Propose appropriate policy responses to address market and government failures.
Course Contents
- The Economic Rationale for Government
- Public Goods
- Public Finance for Public Goods
- Public Expenditure
- Social insurance and social security
- Public Choice
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 4th module0.2 * Classroom activity + 0.3 * Exam + 0.3 * Self-study + 0.2 * Test
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- A course in public economics, Leach J., 2004
- Hillman, A. L. (2009). Public Finance and Public Policy : Responsibilities and Limitations of Government (Vol. 2nd ed). Cambridge: Cambridge eText. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=304391
- Hillman, A. L. (2019). Public Finance and Public Policy. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.b.cup.cbooks.9781107136311
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Economics of the public sector, Stiglitz J.E., 2000