The course covers essential topics of public economics. The focus is the role of the public sector, and in particular the design of public policy for socially efficient resource allocation and income distribution. Areas covered include welfare analysis, taxation, spending and social insurance schemes. The theory is complemented by empirical research and topical examples.

Participants acquire knowledge of central concepts and basic models of modern public economics, together with relevant policy issues currently on the political agenda. In addition, they gain an understanding of the way in which economic analysis using these concepts and models can provide insight into the related policy debates. Successful completion should provide the background necessary to understand public policy debates and to proceed to more advanced topics, with a view to completing a thesis in public economics

attendance required, max. 2 absences

Lectures, books, articles to be read and discussed in class, homework assignments.

There are a total of 100 Points, which are divided as follows:

• Class discussions and quizzes on assigned readings: 25
• Homework assignments: 20
• Exam: 55 

Intermediate microeconomic theory

please register via e-mail

We would like to point out that the attendance in the 1. unit of this course is absolutely necessary.

In case you cannot attend the 1. unit of this course please contact the course instructors in advance.