Macroeconomics of Public Policy

Module overview

This module considers the role of different public policies in macroeconomics. It will explore in detail empirical observations about economic inequality as well as taxes and transfers. It will also focus on theoretical frameworks to understand why such public policies are required to address economic inequality and market inefficiency. In doing so, it will consider solving economic decision problems of households and government both analytically and numerically.

Linked modules

Pre-requisite: ECON2002 or ECON2037

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Use software such as MATLAB to analyse macroeconomic questions related to public policy
Communicate logical arguments in written form

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Apply adequate macroeconomic methods to analyse public policy issues
Place public policy discussions into a formal macroeconomic framework

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Understanding of theoretical and practical concepts used to analyse inequality and taxation from a macroeconomic perspective
Application of macroeconomic methods and theory to address specific public policy questions

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Two lectures per week

Four additional tutorials for applications using Matlab

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	24
Independent Study	126
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Public Finance and Public Policy.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Assessment ins this module is through an end of module examination (80%) and a term paper (short report) using an Matlab application (20%). The latter can be done as a group.

Assessment for external repeat and referral is through 100% end of module examination.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	80%
Coursework	20%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Final Assessment	100%