Public Economics

Course aim

This course equips students with an understanding of the economic concepts and evaluation techniques that are applied to public policy analysis. Using appropriate economic theory and applying to various case studies, students will develop an understanding of the rationale for government intervention, the consequences of such intervention and the methods by which their effects can be measured. The course involves a major research component in a public policy area of the student’s choosing.

Course content

This course will cover the theoretical, empirical and case studies in analyzing public economics. The course provides an overview of market efficiency and the conditions under which markets will fail. Students will then review possible types of failure and the theoretical corrections which can be made. The course also investigates issues surrounding measurement of benefits and costs, public choice and corruption, and a variety of field topics such as health, environmental degradation, taxation and public finance. Students will engage with theoretical and empirical literature and will apply their understanding to a variety of case studies.

Textbook(s)

Stiglitz, JE & Rosengard, JK 2015, Economics of the Public Sector, 4th edn, W. W. Norton and Company Inc, New York

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Assignment, Case study

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 3)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.