EC426 Option Meeting 29 September 2010

EC4r26: EC4r26:

Public Economics Public Economics

Frank Cowell: Economics Public Economics Frank Cowell: Economics Public Economics

EC426 MSc Public Economics 2010/11

Frank Cowell Jonathan Leape Henrik Kleven Tony Atkinson

Aims 1

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To give you an appreciation of analytical methods in Public economics Economic methods for:

Public Economics Public Economics

the study of the public sector the role of the State in principle the role of the State in practice the role of economic policy

Aims 2

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To provide a thorough grounding in principles of Public Economics Economic principles underlying

Public Economics Public Economics

tax and social security design provision of goods in the public sector tax enforcement the effective design of economic institutions.

Aims 3

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To enable you to understand the practical problems of Public economics Focus on problems:

Public Economics Public Economics

in applying analytical methods in implementing economic principles in assessing the impact of state intervention

Intended learning outcomes 1

By the end of the course you should be able to:

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Public Economics Public Economics

Discuss critically the major papers in the literature on public economics and policy Present a coherent argument orally and in writing on topics in public economics Use methods of independent research to prepare a short dissertation

Intended learning outcomes 2

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To apply economic analysis to key economic policy problems To appreciate key debates in thinking about contemporary economic policy problems. To have the background training necessary to function as an economic policy analyst

Public Economics Public Economics

Components of the course

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Michaelmas term: core public economics

Public Economics Public Economics

Role of public economics

Market failure Redistribution

Principles of design applied to

Tax Social security Public goods

Microeconomic analysis of policy

Individuals Companies

Lent term: issues in public economics Classes

Michaelmas term lectures

Core public economics: Frank Cowell and Jonathan Leape
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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Welfare analysis of state intervention Equity, social welfare and taxation Policy design: social insurance Policy design: income taxation Commodity taxation Public goods Externalities and environmental policy Taxation and companies International issues in taxation Behavioural public economics

Public Economics Public Economics

Issues in Public Economics : Henrik Kleven, Frank Cowell and Tony Atkinson
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Lent term lectures:

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Taxes, transfers, and labour supply Incomes and behavioural responses at the top of the distribution Optimal low-income support Wealth distribution and taxation Poverty, inequality and redistribution Tax compliance Who pays taxes? General equilibrium tax incidence Can welfare states compete in a global economy? Global public finance and the funding of the MDGs A global deal on climate change and development?

Public Economics Public Economics

Who does what?

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Michaelmas term

Lectures 1-5: Frank Cowell Lectures 6-10: Jonathan Leape Classes: Michael Best

Public Economics Public Economics

Lent term

Lectures 11-13: Henrik Kleven Lectures 14-16: Frank Cowell Lectures 16-20: Tony Atkinson Classes: Giovanni Ko

Your role

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Classes

Public Economics Public Economics

These start in week 3 In the second term you prepare presentations and short talks Essential part of preparation for the final exam.

The extended essay

Wide range of possible topics Trains you in dissertation writing

Examinations

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The examination has two components

Public Economics Public Economics

A three hour unseen paper An extended essay (dissertation)

Each component carries equal weight Format and regulations for each component on the web site.

Some features

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Connection with STICERD Research Programme Regular Taxation Seminars

Public Economics Public Economics

http://fmg.lse.ac.uk/events/

Web materials

Economics Website: http://econ.lse.ac.uk/ Electronic Library: http://www.blpes.lse.ac.uk/e-lib/ Website for this course: darp.lse.ac.uk/EC426/