Public Economics and Big Data
Module Code: ECP77564
- ECTS Credit: 5
- Mandatory/Optional: Optional
- Semester/Term Taught: Hilary Term
- Module Coordinator: Professor Barra Roantree
Module Aims
The module will introduce students to the field of public economics, which studies the role of the government in the economy.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Identify and understand key issues related to the field of public economics;
- Formulate a balanced, critical judgment on the status of the debate around these issues;
- Confidently discuss papers in the field of public economics;
- Critically evaluate contributions to the field of public economics.
Module Content
It is envisaged that the module will cover a range of topics in the field of public economics, including:
- Introduction: What is public economics and why should you care?
- Rationales for government intervention (including insurance)
- (Social) insurance: unemployment, sickness and disability
- Public goods and externalities
- Commodity Taxation
- Income Taxation
- Taxation and the limits of redistribution
Recommended Reading List
There are two core textbooks for this module:
- Hendricks and Myles (Intermediate Public Economics, 2e)
- Barr (Economics of the Welfare State, 6e)
Assessment
Assessment comprises 50% continuous assessment and a 50% project.
Module Website
Blackboard