EC314NU-Public Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Semesters in which taught: Semester 2 module
Pre-requisites: EC201NU Intermediate Microeconomics
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Jade Siu
Email: j.siu@reading.ac.uk

NUIST Module Lead: Karma Lhendup
Email: karma.lhendup79@gmail.com

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with the opportunity to explore the rationale for government intervention in the economy, to assess what the role of the government should be, and to analyse a wide range of policy issues.

 

Aims:

The module aims to examine the rationale for government intervention in the economy. The first part of the module will look at the justification for and limitations of government intervention in the economy, combining microeconomic theory with applications to contemporary policy issues. The second part of the module will focus on the revenue side and analyse some of the principles involved in tax design and the equity and efficiency implications of taxation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. discuss the main justifications for and the limitations of government intervention in a market economy;


2. apply economic theory to analyse public policy issues and compare the outcomes of alternative policies;


3. discuss the means used to finance government programmes and their economic implications;


4. contribute to the contemporary debates concerning the capabilities and limitations of the government against the market sector.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to further develop their oral and written communication skills through classroom discussions and written assignments.

Outline content:

Topics to be covered include: theories of the public sector; state ownership, privatisation and regulation; healthcare; social insurance; taxation and deficit financing. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be used to introduce and discuss the material. Students are expected to prepare for lectures by reading the suggested literature and to actively participate in classroom discussions. Office hours are available for students to consult the lecturer on an individual basis.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures		90
Tutorials		6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Exam revision/preparation		20
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for tutorials		6
Preparation for presentations		8
Revision and preparation		10
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Oral assessment and presentation	5
Set exercise	15
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written exam.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One in-class test worth 30%; one set exercise worth 15%; one presentation worth 5%

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to discuss drafts of their work for the first assignment and receive feedback on this before the work is submitted

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment for all modules takes place in August of the same academic year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 14 September 2023