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ECON8010 Public Economics

Offered By School of Economics
Academic Career Graduate Coursework
Course Subject Economics
Offered in ECON8010 will not be offered in 2011
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description

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 Understanding the role of the government in the economy particularly in relation to public expenditure, taxation and stabilisation. Global aspects of public expenditure will also be considered.
Indicative Assessment

4 problem sets and an end-of-semester examination

Workload 10 hours per week
Course Classification(s) AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest Economics
Eligibility An honours degree in Economics with H2A or higher, or completion of a Graduate Diploma in Economics with an exit grade of Merit or better
Prescribed Texts

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Preliminary Reading

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Indicative Reading List

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Programs Graduate Diploma in Applied Economics, Graduate Diploma in Economic Policy, Graduate Diploma in Economics, Graduate Diploma in Economics, Graduate Diploma in Applied Economics, Graduate Diploma in Economic Policy, Master of Applied Economics, Master of Economics, Master of Applied Economics, Master of Economic Policy, Master of Health Economics, Master of Economic Policy, Master of Economics, Master of Environmental and Resource Economics, Master of Health Economics, Master of International and Development Economics, Master of International and Development Economics, and Master of Environmental and Resource Economics
Other Information

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Academic Contact See http://teaching.fec.anu.edu.au/ECON8010/

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions