ECON 361 : Public Economics

Business and Economics

2023 Semester Two (1235) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A study of the role of the state in a modern mixed economy; its roles, measurement and accountability. Topics include: welfare theory, theory of public goods, cost-benefit analysis, budgetary issues, taxation theory and practice, insurance markets, and social insurance.

Course Overview

This course develops a theoretical framework so that students can analyse both normative questions (What should the state do?) and positive questions (What is the impact of state activity and what are the implications of alternative public choices?). The philosophical and conceptual issues involved in the role of the state are highlighted in the context of the evolving economy that has become global in character. The course draws on the rich source of innovative developments in state expenditure, project evaluation, taxation, privatisation and accountability that are associated with the public sector. We also cover the important skills necessary to be a practicing policy economist and require students to complete a policy report.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: ECON 201

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Apply the basic welfare economics framework to argue for or against particular forms of government intervention, including the provision of public goods, the treatment of externalities, or the provision of social insurance. (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  2. Explain the concepts of social cost and cost-benefit analysis. (Capability 1, 3 and 6)
  3. Describe and explain the principles of tax, of what constitutes a 'good' tax, and of the choices and trade-offs in tax reform. (Capability 2 and 6)
  4. Explain the process of converting economic policy into practical change within the institution and community. (Capability 4.2 and 6)
  5. Apply ethical standards for economic advice; the process of making a change at a societal or institutional level; leadership and communication (Capability 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Policy Report 25% Individual Coursework
Test 20% Individual Test
Final Exam 40% Individual Examination
Group presentation 10% Group Coursework
Contribution to group presentation 5% Peer Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Policy Report
Test
Final Exam
Group presentation
Contribution to group presentation

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 2 hours of pre-recorded lectures, 2 hours of in-class discussion sessions, a 1 hour tutorial every week, 3 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 2 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including the discussion session and the tutorials to complete components of the course. Pre-recorded lectures will be available in advance. You will need to prepare for the discussion sessions by listening to recordings and reading additional material. The discussion sessions will include short group presentations preceding wider class discussion. Your contribution to the group presentations will be assessed. Learning activities other than the lecture pre-recordings, i.e., discussion sessions and tutorials, will NOT be available as recordings. Attendance on campus is required for the test and exam. The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Prescribed Text: Rosen, Harvey S. and Ted Gayer, (2014), Public Finance, 10th edition, McGraw Hill, ISBN: 0078021685.  
Recommended Texts: Hindriks, J. and Gareth D. Myles, (2013), Intermediate Public Economics, 2nd ed., MIT Press. 
Barr, N. (2004) The Economics of the Welfare State, 4th ed., Oxford University Press and Stanford University Press. (The 5th ed. will also be suitable.)
Additional readings: All readings and tutorials will be available on CANVAS. 

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

There will be more learning session activities in the Discussion and Presentation sessions.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 27/10/2022 01:14 p.m.