University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2010-2011Last update : 11/04/2011
ECON0091-1  Economic aspects of public finance
Duration :  30h Th, 15h Pr
Credits/ECTS :  
Bachelor in Political Sciences, 3rd yearSecond semester3
Bachelor in economical and in management sciences, 3rd yearSecond semester4
Bachelor in business engineering, 3rd yearSecond semester4
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in Economical Sciences, general orientationSecond semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, in-depth approach, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, didactic approach, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, Professional Focus in Economic Policies and Analysis, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master en sciences économiques,orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economics and finance, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master en sciences économiques, orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economic analysis and public governance, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master in Economical SciencesSecond semester5
Holder(s) :  Alain Jousten
Language :  French language
Course contents :  This course analyzes the public sector concerning the allocation of resources and the redistribution of income.

It discusses the role of the public sector, the difference between private and public goods, public choice and externalities.

Tax policy relies on two broad principles: equity (progressivity, tax capacity) and efficiency. We outline the main results of optimal (direct and indirect) taxation. The concept of tax expenditures is introduced.

The main categories of taxes are reviewed: Income taxes: progressivity and tax base, individual versus household basis. Labor taxation: incidence, negative income tax. Consumption tax: expenditure tax, ad valorem versus unitary taxes, value added tax (VAT), excises. Corporate profit tax: objective, incidence, depreciation allowances.

Finally, We use cost-benefit analysis, voting mechanisms, etc to analyze the main expenditure programs (health, retirement, education, etc).
Course objective :  Use the tools of economic analysis to understand the role and functioning of the public sector.
Prerequisites :  Intermediate microeconomics
Workshops :  Compulsory group exercises applying the theoretical concepts in the context of realistic scenarios.
Organization :  Second semester.
Written notes :  Course manuals: HOLCOMBE, R., Public Sector Economics, The role of the Government in the American Economy, Pearson Lectures conseillées : - STIGLITZ, J.E., Economics of the Public Sector, Norton - Gruber, J. (2007), "Public Finance and Public Policy", 2nd ed., Worth Publishers, New York.
Assessment :  Group exercises; (20%)
Written exam. (80%)
Contacts :  Professor
A.Jousten, Bât. B31,
Tel. : +32 4 366 31 98,
e-mail : ajousten@ulg.ac.be

Assistant
Claire Maréchal, Bât. B31
Tel. : +32 4 366 31 07
Email:claire.marechal@ulg.ac.be


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