Public Economics and Politics

The course deals with the subject of public economics and politics. It starts with a discussion of economic efficiency and motives for public intervention in the market economy, for instance in relation to market failure such as public goods and external effects. Motives for income redistribution via taxation and subsidies and their consequences for economic efficiency are discussed in relation to economic efficiency. The structure of the tax system is studied from the perspectives of efficiency and politics. Theories of the motives of interest groups and those of political parties and politicians are examined. Different perspectives are combined and compared in order to explain the growth of the public sector. The course is concluded by student group reports on a current issue in the field, which are presented and discussed in peer-reviewed seminars.

Progressive specialisation: G2F (has at least 60 credits in first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Undergraduate level

Selection:

Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.

This course is included in the following programme

• Master programme in applied economics and advanced analytical methods (studied during year 1)
• Master Programme in Economics: Master (studied during year 1)