ECON 345Economics of Public Programs

Catalog

This course explores how basic economic tools can be applied to analyze the role of government in the economy. The focus is on the issues raised when private sector activities fail to reach efficient and equitable societal outcomes, which may result in some devastating consequences for the economy and the welfare of people. The course introduces the basic methods that can be utilized to predict the above risk factors, including the related indicators, and the policies to ultimately mitigate them. More specifically, the course covers the analytical examination of the government's answers to these issues through public programs and policies in the areas of welfare (e.g., health care, education, social insurance programs), regulation, and taxation, etc. Format: Grading is based on participation in class activities, homework assignments, midterm tests, and a final examination. Prerequisites - Grades of C or better in ECON 160 & ECON 162