The aim of the module is to prepare students for a variety of careers, ranging from any type of government and civil service, to economic consulting, data analytics, and other data-related work in the private sector. The goal of the module is to synthetize theoretical and microeconometric skills, many of which students have learned in other modules, to produce well-rounded economists who are knowledgeable about the current state-of-the-art methods used in conducting policy-oriented research. A particular emphasis in the module will be placed on the role of government policies in addressing environmental pollution and climate change, which are arguably among the most important issues faced by the current and future generations.

(LO1) Students will be able to model the responses of individuals and firms to various local and national government policies.

(LO2) Students will be able to read, comprehend, and evaluate empirical analyses conducted by other researchers.

(LO3) Students will be able to program empirical analyses in STATA statistical software.

(LO4) Students will be able to quantify the effects of various national and local government policies.

(LO5) Students will be able to discuss the distributional impact of policies on difference groups.

(S1) Problem solving
The module will teach students how to state a research hypothesis, and how to empirically test it. This will be accomplished via group discussions in lectures and seminars, as well as via written assignments.

(S2) Numeracy
The module will teach students various empirical skills to analyse government public policy via lectures and seminars.

(S3) IT skills
Seminars will teach students programming of empirical analyses using STATA statistical software.

(S4) Verbal and written communication
The module teaches students to evaluate, analyse, and discuss research on various national and local government policies through group discussions in lectures and seminar, as well as via written assignments.

(S5) International awareness
Examples discussed in class will cover government policies from a number of countries.

2 hour lecture x 10 weeks
1 hour seminar x 5 weeks
125 hours self-directed learning

Students will dedicate time reading the textbook as well as assigned academic papers and policy briefs/reports. Substantial amount of time will also be devoted to coding in STATA statistical software, which will build their skills and prepare them for assignments.

Core Topics:

1. Introduction to Public Economics
2. Public Goods, Externalities, and Environmental Protection
3. Taxation, Tax Policy, and Redistribution
4. Social Insurance
5. Voting & Enfranchisement

Additional topics may be covered as time permits.

The theoretical models discussed in this module build on the concepts, skills, and material discussed in Microeconomics. The empirical analyses build on the Econometrics and Statistics module in First Semester. Empirical analyses discussed complement the material discussed in Applied Microeconometrics, but introduce new data sources, teach students how to apply the methods to topics in public economics, and highlight advanced empirical tools as they relate to public economics.

Course material, such as datasets, supplementary readings, and additional learning materials, will be posted on Canvas. The required textbook covers the theoretical underpinnings of public economics, while the supplemental material which will be posted on Canvas consists mainly of published papers that cover the empirical applications of the theories. Students are expected to read the textbook and supplemental material before lectures and seminars. The suggested textbooks contain the material students will need to learn to master the empirical skills taught in the course and are a resource for refreshing their knowledge of econometrics. The bulk of the empirical work will focus on learning to code in STATA. Resources for programming in STATA will be posted on Canvas. This will include examples of do-files, pre-packaged programs, and self-directed learning materials to assist in learning to code.