The aim of this course is to introduce students to a number of key topics in public economics. The focus is on relevant economic theory in this area. The topics include an introduction to public economics and political economy (voting and rent-seeking), a review of equilibrium and efficiency, departures from efficiency (public goods, externalities and asymmetry of information), equity and redistribution (social welfare functions and interpersonal comparability of utility), optimal taxation (commodity, income and mixed taxes), non-tax instruments for redistribution and tax reform.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the public economics concepts and theoretical models that form the basis of current research in public economics, including models employed to analyse public economics topics such as public goods, public provision of private goods, externalities and optimal taxation, among others;
- Understand and explain the empirical issues and policy implications associated with public economics topics;
- Know, summarize and assess recent contributions to the public economics literature;
- Be ready to identify a research topic and undertake independent research in public economics.
Other Information
See the course outline on the College courses page. Outlines are uploaded as they become available.
Indicative Assessment
4 problem sets and an end-of-semester examination
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
10 hours per weekFees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3852 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $5130 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
