PP410E Half Unit
Public Economics for Public Policy
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Daniel Reck
Dr Joana Naritomi
Availability
This course is available on the Executive Master of Public Administration and Executive Master of Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal pre-requisites, but the course is only available by prior agreement with Executive MPA and Executive MPP Programme Directors if students haven't completed Empirical Methods for Public Policy (PP455E) and Economic Policy Analysis (PP440E) prior to this course.
Course content
This is a course in theoretical and applied public economics using intermediate economic theory. Topics include issues of equity and efficiency and alternative theories of the role of the state. Models of public goods and externalities, including environmental policy. Who really pays taxes: issues of tax incidence and tax evasion. Income inequality, poverty alleviation and the role of welfare programmes in theory and in practice. Health and education policy. The effects of taxes and transfers on labour supply and migration; The optimal taxation of commodities and incomes. Current topics in public finance. The main institutional references will be to the UK and the US, but some attention will also be given to broader international experience.
Teaching
A one-week modular teaching block. This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures delivered in one week. This year, some or all of this teaching may be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos.
Formative coursework
One mock examination will be offered.
Indicative reading
A full reading list will be distributed prior to the beginning of the course.
Assessment
Project (50%, 2000 words) and online assessment (50%).
Please note that online assessments take place on the third Friday after module teaching concludes. The project will consist of a 2,000 word data analysis exercise. Data analysis exercises are due on the sixth Sunday after module teaching concludes. Further details will be provided at the Executive MPP/ Executive MPA programme inductions.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: School of Public Policy
Total students 2020/21: Unavailable
Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable
Controlled access 2020/21: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills