Spring Semester (March 1 - May 31, 2018)
Course
Public Economics & Regulation 2018
Prof. Bruno Bises
7 CFUs – ECTS
Classes begin March 1.
Classes meet Wednesdays, from 12 - 13:45 pm in Classroom 248, second floor, Law School
Thursdays, 10:15 - 12:00 in Classroom 248, second floor, Law School and
Fridays, 10:15 - 12:00 in Classroom 4, ground floor, Law School
bruno.bises@uniroma3.it
Course description
The course provides an introduction to the economic analysis of public policy issues, concerning theGovernment’s spending, financing and regulatory activities. The above issues will be tackled within the European Union context as well as with respect to different contexts in countries’ case studies.
Content of the course
1. Market Performance and Government Role: an Overview.
2. The Economics of Public Spending and Welfare Programmes (Education, Health, Social Insurance).
3. Anti-monopolistic Policies and Markets Regulation. Environmental Regulation.
4. Fiscal Federalism. Revenue and Expenditure Activities: Local Governments vs Central Government
5. Fiscal Policy and Taxation in the European Context.
6. A Case Study: The Economics of the Public Sector in China.
Learning Objectives
To provide a grounding in the principles underlying the role of the State, the design of welfare systems, regulatory policies and fiscal policies. To introduce the problems involved in implementing these principles. To critically discuss key issues in public economics.
Learning Activities
The course is based on both lectures on the main subjects of public economics and seminars on key institutional and policy issues. External scholars will provide some lectures and will give seminars on their recent research works. Interactive student participation is encouraged.
Assessment tools
Students’ learning will be assessed through a final exam – both written and oral – as well as throughout the course.
Attendance policy
Regular attendance to lessons and seminars is required.
Reading Materials
Reference text-books: - Boadway, R. & A. Shah, Fiscal Federalism, Cambridge U.P., 2009.
- Connally S. & A. Munro, Economics of the Public Sector, Pearson, 1999.
- Rosen H.S. & T. Gayer, Public Finance, McGraw-Hill, 2008.
- Stiglitz J.E., Economics of the Public Sector, Norton, New York, 1999.
Readings from the above text-books and further readings will be suggested at the beginning and throughout the course.
Class days, hours & rooms:
Wednesdays, 12:00-13:45, classroom # 9, main building, ground floor
Thursdays, 10:15-12:00, classroom # 5, main building, ground floor
Fridays, 10:15-12:00, classroom # 5, main building, ground floor
Contacts: - prof. B. Bises (bruno.bises@uniroma3.it) – Dept. of Law, second floor, room 241. (For office hours see the show-case in front of room 241