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Economics of the Public Sector (2025/2026: Semester 2 – Spring)
Cursusdoel
After completing this course students are able to:
- Apply the basic principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and institutional economics to topics of public sector economics;
- Discuss the arguments for and against government intervention in different sectors, and the complexities this brings for effective and efficient public policies
- Present in word and writing, together with other students, a research paper about a specific market failure, and recommend potential solutions to this failure.
- Critically reflect on their own and others’ research proceedings and final paper
| Description of assignment | Which learning goals does this assess? |
|
1, 2 1,2 1,2,3,4 |
Vakinhoudelijk
Individuals and firms are continually subject to the influence of government activity, whether through the payment of taxes, the receipt of subsidies, study grants, or social security benefits, or through the use of publicly provided goods and services such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public transportation. In most advanced economies, the public sector constitutes a substantial share of overall economic activity, often accounting for 40 to 60 percent of gross domestic product, thereby equaling or even surpassing the size of private markets. This reality raises a series of fundamental and enduring questions: Which functions should be carried out by the government, and which are best left to private enterprise? At what points is state intervention desirable, and what are the welfare implications for various societal groups of such (lack of) intervention? Which goods and services should the public sector provide, to what extent, and with what regard for efficiency? Furthermore, debates persist concerning the optimal level of taxation and public indebtedness, the appropriate structure of the tax system, and the true incidence of tax burdens.
Given the political and normative nature of these questions, definitive answers rarely exist. Consequently, the study of public sector economics extends beyond theoretical analysis to incorporate critical debate and policy application. The course Economics of the Public Sector is designed to engage students with these complexities by applying principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and institutional economics to real-world policy contexts. The aim is to evaluate existing public policies, formulate guidelines for government activity, and cultivate the ability to analyze contemporary policy debates. Upon completion, students will be able to assess arguments for and against government intervention, apply core economic frameworks to public sector issues, identify market failures, and propose informed policy responses.
Format
In principle, the class meets twice a week for 1h 45m during the semester. Active participation is required. The set-up of each class will differ depending on the topic and day. When working on the group paper, class contact time might be replaced with group consults.
Given the political and normative nature of these questions, definitive answers rarely exist. Consequently, the study of public sector economics extends beyond theoretical analysis to incorporate critical debate and policy application. The course Economics of the Public Sector is designed to engage students with these complexities by applying principles of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and institutional economics to real-world policy contexts. The aim is to evaluate existing public policies, formulate guidelines for government activity, and cultivate the ability to analyze contemporary policy debates. Upon completion, students will be able to assess arguments for and against government intervention, apply core economic frameworks to public sector issues, identify market failures, and propose informed policy responses.
Format
In principle, the class meets twice a week for 1h 45m during the semester. Active participation is required. The set-up of each class will differ depending on the topic and day. When working on the group paper, class contact time might be replaced with group consults.
Werkvormen
UCU SSC 3 course
Toetsing
Endterm exam
Verplicht | Weging 35% | ECTS 2,63
Group assignment
Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25
*midterm FEEDBACK*
Niet verplicht
Midterm exam
Verplicht | Weging 35% | ECTS 2,63
Ingangseisen en voorkennis
Ingangseisen
Er moet voldaan zijn aan de cursus:
Voorkennis
to be developed
Voertalen
- Engels
Competenties
-
Academisch schrijven
-
Onderzoeksvaardigheden
-
Presenteren
Cursusmomenten
Gerelateerde studies
Tentamens
Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus
Verplicht materiaal
Er is geen informatie over de verplichte literatuur bekend
Aanbevolen materiaal
-
DIVERSETBC
Coördinator
| drs. E.M. van Sas | E.M.vanSas@uu.nl |
Docenten
| drs. E.M. van Sas | E.M.vanSas@uu.nl |
Inschrijving
Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.
Naar OSIRIS-inschrijvingen
Permanente link naar de cursuspagina
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