Public Economics

Subject 316-682 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of classes per week (Semester 2)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 316-313 Microeconomics or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Professor J Creedy
Subject Overview: This subject considers the general problems associated with the role of the state in the economy. Topics will be chosen from the theory of the state; the role of the government in promoting economic growth; collective choice mechanisms; the economic analysis of bureaucracy; public goods; Coase theorem; national debt; and taxation issues.

Assessment: A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (80%) and an assignment not exceeding 2000 words (20%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • Describe differences between positive and normative theories in public economics;
  • Explain the economic rationale for the existence of the state;
  • Explain the growth of the government sector over the twentieth century;
  • Derive the criteria identifying the optimal size of the government;
  • Analyse different economic theories of the bureaucracy;
  • Explain the paradox of voting;
  • Analyse the positive and normative properties of collective decision-making mechanisms;
  • Explain the implications of Arrow's Impossibility Theorem for public economics;
  • Critically evaluate different models of the political business cycle;
  • Analyse the implications of countries' stocks of public debt; and
  • Explain the principles of optimal taxation.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence
  • Strategic thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making
  • Accessing economic and other information
  • Summarise and interpretation of information
  • Problem solving skills
  • Collaborative learning and team work
  • Negotiation and bargaining
  • Written communication
  • Oral communication.
Related Course(s): Master of Commerce - Economics

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