Public Economics

Duration

30h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Alain Jousten

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

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: deadweight loss, incidence, and optimal taxation. On the expenditure side, we focus on social protection and insurance systems, as well as the design and effects of real-world retirement income systems in the face of rational agents. Selected topics of current policy relevance are treated in more detail by means of group work.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

In line with the Key Learning Outcomes, the objective of the course is to enforce the economic 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).

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Compulsory prerequisites:

• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Introductory Public Finance (see course Public Finance)

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures and student presentations.
Practical details for student presentations will be posted in a timely manner on the course website. 

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Distance learning.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

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. 

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

Any session :

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )

- Remote

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )

- If evaluation in "hybrid"

preferred remote


Additional information:

Individualized grade for student presentations during the semester (50 percent).
Written exam in the form of an online multiple choice on a ULiege platform (50 percent).
 
Note: Grades from group exercices will count towards both exam sessions.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

1st semester

Contacts

Professor A.Jousten, Bât. B31,  Tél. : +32 4 366 31 98,  e-mail : ajousten@uliege.be
Assistant Giulia Klinges, Bât. B31 Tel. : +32 4 366 30 42 Email: gklinges@uliege.be