EC426 Option Meeting 29 September 2010
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Public Economics Public Economics
Frank Cowell: Economics Public Economics Frank Cowell: Economics Public Economics
EC426 MSc Public Economics 2010/11
Frank Cowell Jonathan Leape Henrik Kleven Tony Atkinson
Aims 1
EC4r26: EC4r26:
To give you an appreciation of analytical methods in Public economics Economic methods for:
Public Economics Public Economics
the study of the public sector the role of the State in principle the role of the State in practice the role of economic policy
Aims 2
EC4r26: EC4r26:
To provide a thorough grounding in principles of Public Economics Economic principles underlying
Public Economics Public Economics
tax and social security design provision of goods in the public sector tax enforcement the effective design of economic institutions.
Aims 3
EC4r26: EC4r26:
To enable you to understand the practical problems of Public economics Focus on problems:
Public Economics Public Economics
in applying analytical methods in implementing economic principles in assessing the impact of state intervention
Intended learning outcomes 1
By the end of the course you should be able to:
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Public Economics Public Economics
Discuss critically the major papers in the literature on public economics and policy Present a coherent argument orally and in writing on topics in public economics Use methods of independent research to prepare a short dissertation
Intended learning outcomes 2
EC4r26: EC4r26:
To apply economic analysis to key economic policy problems To appreciate key debates in thinking about contemporary economic policy problems. To have the background training necessary to function as an economic policy analyst
Public Economics Public Economics
Components of the course
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Michaelmas term: core public economics
Public Economics Public Economics
Role of public economics
Market failure Redistribution
Principles of design applied to
Tax Social security Public goods
Microeconomic analysis of policy
Individuals Companies
Lent term: issues in public economics Classes
Michaelmas term lectures
Core public economics: Frank Cowell and Jonathan Leape
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Welfare analysis of state intervention Equity, social welfare and taxation Policy design: social insurance Policy design: income taxation Commodity taxation Public goods Externalities and environmental policy Taxation and companies International issues in taxation Behavioural public economics
Public Economics Public Economics
Issues in Public Economics : Henrik Kleven, Frank Cowell and Tony Atkinson
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Lent term lectures:
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Taxes, transfers, and labour supply Incomes and behavioural responses at the top of the distribution Optimal low-income support Wealth distribution and taxation Poverty, inequality and redistribution Tax compliance Who pays taxes? General equilibrium tax incidence Can welfare states compete in a global economy? Global public finance and the funding of the MDGs A global deal on climate change and development?
Public Economics Public Economics
Who does what?
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Michaelmas term
Lectures 1-5: Frank Cowell Lectures 6-10: Jonathan Leape Classes: Michael Best
Public Economics Public Economics
Lent term
Lectures 11-13: Henrik Kleven Lectures 14-16: Frank Cowell Lectures 16-20: Tony Atkinson Classes: Giovanni Ko
Your role
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Classes
Public Economics Public Economics
These start in week 3 In the second term you prepare presentations and short talks Essential part of preparation for the final exam.
The extended essay
Wide range of possible topics Trains you in dissertation writing
Examinations
EC4r26: EC4r26:
The examination has two components
Public Economics Public Economics
A three hour unseen paper An extended essay (dissertation)
Each component carries equal weight Format and regulations for each component on the web site.
Some features
EC4r26: EC4r26:
Connection with STICERD Research Programme Regular Taxation Seminars
Public Economics Public Economics
[Link]
Web materials
Economics Website: [Link] Electronic Library: [Link] Website for this course: [Link]/EC426/
