2025
Public Economics
Name: Public Economics
Code: ECN11992M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Economy
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The fundamental objective is to conduct an economic analysis of the State's main activities, both at a theoretical level and in terms of knowledge of its main institutional and tax aspects. Thus, the course aims to provide students with intermediate-level knowledge of Public Economics, developing the ability to apply the conceptual and analytical framework to concrete problems, particularly in the various areas of public policy action.
In terms of professional skills, students should be able to:
? Locate the State's economic activity in its various spatial dimensions.
? Conduct critical analyses of State actions, duly grounded in State Theories and the Fundamentals of Welfare Economics.
? Understand the State Budget as an economic, political, and legal instrument.
In terms of transversal skills, the course develops autonomy, teamwork, stimulating critical thinking skills.
In terms of professional skills, students should be able to:
? Locate the State's economic activity in its various spatial dimensions.
? Conduct critical analyses of State actions, duly grounded in State Theories and the Fundamentals of Welfare Economics.
? Understand the State Budget as an economic, political, and legal instrument.
In terms of transversal skills, the course develops autonomy, teamwork, stimulating critical thinking skills.
Contents
1. The Role and Size of the Public Sector
1.1. Politico-economic theories of the State
2. Fundamentals of Welfare Economics
2.1. Public goods
2.2. Externalities
2.3. Efficiency and equity
2.4. Public choice
3. Public Expenditures
4. Public Revenues
5. Public Sector Policies
5.1. The public policies of education and health
1.1. Politico-economic theories of the State
2. Fundamentals of Welfare Economics
2.1. Public goods
2.2. Externalities
2.3. Efficiency and equity
2.4. Public choice
3. Public Expenditures
4. Public Revenues
5. Public Sector Policies
5.1. The public policies of education and health
Teaching Methods
The various topics of the program are taught in theoretical-practical classes. After the theoretical content is presented, some exercises are performed and/or applications are analyzed to illustrate the material, all at an intermediate level. Thus, the theory of Public Economics is provided, which is necessary to better understand why a public sector can be economically relevant, focusing the analysis on the main issues of state intervention, particularly in terms of various public policies.
Therefore, the teaching and learning methodologies, particularly the implementation of applied work, allow students the opportunity to (cf. Circular 10/2023 - Institutional Pedagogical Policy):
a) Carry out diverse activities that promote relevant learning;
b) Carry out independent work;
c) Develop oral communication skills;
d) Work collaboratively;
e) Develop creativity and critical thinking;
h) Relate learning to real-world contexts;
i) Understand research conducted in the subject area.
Priority is given to using the Moodle platform as a resource for organizing and accessing learning materials and communicating with the instructor and peers.
In accordance with the guidelines of Despacho 34/2026 ? Reference Framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the teaching, assessment and learning process at the University of Évora, it should be noted that: with regard to the teaching aspect, AI will not be used, neither in its preparation nor in its implementation in class; with regard to the assessment aspect, as it is done (exclusively) based on closed-book tests, the use of AI will not be permitted; with regard to the learning aspect, naturally, no constraints can be imposed on the use of AI, but it is still noted that its use must be judicious, and it is more important to understand how, after a question, the AI arrived at the answer, which, as is known, is subject to errors.
Therefore, the teaching and learning methodologies, particularly the implementation of applied work, allow students the opportunity to (cf. Circular 10/2023 - Institutional Pedagogical Policy):
a) Carry out diverse activities that promote relevant learning;
b) Carry out independent work;
c) Develop oral communication skills;
d) Work collaboratively;
e) Develop creativity and critical thinking;
h) Relate learning to real-world contexts;
i) Understand research conducted in the subject area.
Priority is given to using the Moodle platform as a resource for organizing and accessing learning materials and communicating with the instructor and peers.
In accordance with the guidelines of Despacho 34/2026 ? Reference Framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the teaching, assessment and learning process at the University of Évora, it should be noted that: with regard to the teaching aspect, AI will not be used, neither in its preparation nor in its implementation in class; with regard to the assessment aspect, as it is done (exclusively) based on closed-book tests, the use of AI will not be permitted; with regard to the learning aspect, naturally, no constraints can be imposed on the use of AI, but it is still noted that its use must be judicious, and it is more important to understand how, after a question, the AI arrived at the answer, which, as is known, is subject to errors.
Assessment
According to the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora (RAUE), students can choose one of two assessment methods: continuous assessment or final assessment.
Continuous assessment is conducted through two closed-book written exams. The first will focus on chapters 1 and 2 and will account for 40% of the final grade. The second will focus on chapters 3, 4, and 5 and will account for 60% of the final grade. Final exam assessment is conducted through a closed-book written final exam covering all material, to be taken during the exam period.
According to Despacho 216/2026, it is established that "If deemed necessary to verify the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills foreseen for the curricular unit, the teaching team may summon the student for an oral examination, in accordance with paragraph 13 of article 110 of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, ensuring the conditions foreseen in paragraph 4 of article 116 and paragraph 1 of article 118 of the same Regulations. The oral examination will have a weight of 50% in the final grade of the course."
Continuous assessment is conducted through two closed-book written exams. The first will focus on chapters 1 and 2 and will account for 40% of the final grade. The second will focus on chapters 3, 4, and 5 and will account for 60% of the final grade. Final exam assessment is conducted through a closed-book written final exam covering all material, to be taken during the exam period.
According to Despacho 216/2026, it is established that "If deemed necessary to verify the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills foreseen for the curricular unit, the teaching team may summon the student for an oral examination, in accordance with paragraph 13 of article 110 of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, ensuring the conditions foreseen in paragraph 4 of article 116 and paragraph 1 of article 118 of the same Regulations. The oral examination will have a weight of 50% in the final grade of the course."
Teaching Staff
Accreditations and Certifications
