Public Finance ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

Public finance is the study of the theory and practice of how governments raise revenue and make expenditures. Students learn about taxation at the federal and state level and public spending primarily at the federal level. On the expenditure side, students learn about the theory of public goods and externalities as well as specific spending programs such as health care and income security. On the taxation side, students learn about the incidence of taxation, how taxes affect the efficiency of markets, and the structure of the federal tax system for individuals and corporations. Students consider both fairness/equity and efficiency criteria in examining expenditures and taxation. Prerequisite (must complete before registering): Microeconomics ( ECON 2020 ), or equivalent Note: This course builds on learning gained through a study of Microeconomics ( ECON 3080 ).