Undergraduate, Postgraduate - UnitECC4810 - Public economics

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Models of decision making in the collective setting, utilising a number of tools, some of which will be familiar microeconomic ones. Economic approaches to collective decision environments, including 'new welfare economics', the 'Chicago' and 'Virginia' schools. Whenever possible, Australian policies will be examined in light of theory.

Outcomes

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. understand the issues and analysis of collective decisions
2. become more discriminating observers of the political and policy environment
3. be able to review market failures and consider the potential for solving these failures in the collective or political setting
4. be able to examine problems of free-riding, incentives to vote, interest group influence, bureaucratic behaviour and constitutional frameworks
5. understand the economist's role in the process of formulating public policy.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Vai-Lam Mui

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

ECC3810