EC355-6-SP-CO:
Public Economics
2023/24
Economics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
22 August 2023
Requisites for this module
EC202
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module analyses the economic rationale for "collective choice" in a market economy. We will consider measures of social welfare, equity and efficiency. We will evaluate analytically the government's ability to identify and achieve "better" outcomes, particularly under a democratic process. We will consider the economic case for interventions to redress market failures, to redistribute resources, and to provide public goods and services Using economic models and analyses (e.g. mathematical derivatives).
This module is also applied: we will discuss and compare actual and proposed programmes in the UK and abroad in the areas of poverty reduction, education, and health.
The aims of this module are:
- To give students a general appreciation of the composition of private income and wealth, the sources and uses of public funds in the UK and abroad, and the structure of major programmes such as the NHS.
- To equip students with a clear understanding of the characteristics of a public good, and a grasp of equity and efficiency issues related to taxation and redistribution.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Have a general appreciation of the composition of private income and wealth, the sources and uses of public funds in the UK and abroad, and the structure of major programmes such as the NHS.
- Have a clear understanding of the characteristics of a public good, and a grasp of equity and efficiency issues related to taxation and redistribution.
- Form clear, logical, economic arguments for (or against) specific policies, and to articulate these in writing.
- In preparing for the final exam paper, demonstrate their ability to access and highlight key statistical and descriptive institutional information from government and academic sources.
- Demonstrate written communication skills, and their ability to apply economic theory and knowledge of broad empirical patterns and institutions to specific policy dilemmas.
Transferable Skills
This module incorporates literacy, numeracy and ICT skills, as well as research, information and communication skills. It will equip the student with an understanding of patterns, trends, and institutions that are crucial to obtaining and adapting to employment in or involving the public sector and international institutions.
Experience of Work: No. However, it will involve crucial knowledge and tasks similar to those involved in work environments such as a public policy research institute or a lobbying organisation.
Academic Skills: Yes. Literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Research, information and communication skills.
Professional Working Skills: Yes. Adaptability, flexibility, adoption of new techniques, project management.
Career Awareness: Yes. Opportunity awareness and will provide tools needed for self presentation. Some knowledge of organisations that are potential employers. Creativity, originality, and business skills, in the domain of assessing public policy choices as well as the private provision of public goods. Understanding of issues related to social and environmental responsibility.
Personal Development Plan: Yes. Self awareness, target setting and action planning. Time management, self management. Reflection and evaluation.
The module will be delivered via:
- One 2-hour lecture per week.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
EC355 Mid-term Moodle Test Friday 15th March 4pm |
|
|
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Thomas Cornelissen, email: t.cornelissen@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures: Prof Thomas Cornelissen / Classes: Mr Liang Shi
For further information, send a message to fineco@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Giancarlo Ianulardo
University of Exeter Business School
Lecturer in Economics
Available via Moodle
Of 49 hours, 48 (98%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
1 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Economics
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