Dates: 8 - 26 July, 2013
This course provides a broad, up-to-date introduction to the economic analysis of public policy issues. The focus of the course, which draws on microeconomic theory, is on the development of analytical tools and their application to key policy issues relating to the spending, taxing and financing activities of government. Particular emphasis is given to recent developments in public economics, including findings from recent research, in areas such as behavioural public economics, new empirical methods and policy innovations.
The first part of the course presents a brief overview of the role of government. The second part examines issues relating to welfare analysis, social insurance and pensions. The third section assesses tax policy and its impact on individuals and companies, while the final part explores the issues of privatisation, outsourcing and the proper scope of government.
Topics covered include:
■equity, efficiency and the role of the state
■behavioural public economics
■market failure and social insurance
■the pensions "crisis" and savings policy
■reforming welfare systems
■the impact of tax incentives and welfare-to work schemes on unemployment
■tax incentives and investment, including cross-border investment
■optimal taxation and tax evasion
■globalisation and tax policy
■climate change policy: taxes versus emissions trading
■rethinking the scope of government (outsourcing, public-private partnerships, privatisation)
Texts
This course is not based on a single text. Students are, however, encouraged to purchase Jonathan Gruber (2011) Public Finance and Public Policy, 3rd edition, Worth Publishers, which is used throughout the course, and perhaps also Nicholas Barr, The Economics of the Welfare State, (4th ed.), OUP Oxford, 2004, to which frequent reference is made in parts 1 and 2. Copies of Gruber and Barr are available in the Library Course Collection.
An alternative general textbook, which is complementary although somewhat less complete in its coverage of course topics, is Rosen and Gayer (2007) Public Finance, McGraw Hill (and the previous edition, Rosen (2005) Public Finance, 7th edition, McGraw Hill).
The course readings also include journal articles and working papers, almost all of which can be accessed electronically. A course pack of key articles is provided.
Lectures: 36 hours Classes: 12 hours
Assessment: Two written examinations plus written work
Contenido del curso: 12 horas de clase semanales por las mañanas y conferencias y seminarios por las tardes en función del curso elegido.
Precio total: 3.980 €
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