Study Programmes 2016-2017
ECON0196-2  
Public Economics
Duration :
30h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in economics : general (120 ECTS)5
Master in economics : general (60 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Alain Jousten
Language(s) of instruction :
English language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
A number of topics in public economics will be covered, relating both to public expenditures and income. The approach is both normative and positive. We study direct and indirect taxation: incidence, incentives and optimal taxation. We also include social choice aspects, optimal social insurance systems, as well as the design and effects of real-world retirement income systems in the face of rational agents.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
In line with the Key Learning Outcomes, the objective of the course is to enforce the conomic expertise (strategy) and develop the critical thinking (strategy and adaptability) of the student. More specifically, the course will :


  • Present the main reasons why the government intervenes in market economics, what are the limits of these interventions and how private agents react to such interventions.
  • Propose socially and individually responsible solutions, respecting the principles of good governance (quality control).
The students will also improve their english communication.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Compulsory prerequisites:


  • Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Introductory Public Finance (see course Public Finance)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
  • lectures
  • exercise sessions
  • compulsory readings
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
face-to-face
Recommended or required readings :
Reference texts
A reading list composed of compulsory readings and optional readings is proposed each year through the course website, with a focus on topics with societal importance. (lol@ site: lola.hec.ulg.ac.be)
Assessment methods and criteria :
written exam
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
1st semester
Contacts :
Professor  A.Jousten, Bât. B31, Tél. : +32 4 366 31 98, e-mail : ajousten@ulg.ac.be
Assistant  Jonathan Denomerenge, Bât. B31 Tel. : +32 4 366 30 42 Email: jdenomerenge@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Lol@
The course material is available on lol@