Public Economics

Code: ECN11992M

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Economy

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Erradicação da pobreza - Acabar com a pobreza em todas as suas formas, em todos os lugares

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Trabalho decente e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

Redução das desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

Learning Goals

The objective is to carry out an economic analysis of the main activities of the public sector, both at a theoretical level and in terms of knowledge of its main institutional and fiscal aspects. Thus, it is intended to provide the students with intermediate level knowledge of public economics, developing the ability to apply the conceptual and analytical framework to concrete problems, in particular to the various areas of public policy action. In terms of professional competences, the course provides the ability to situate the economic activity in its local, regional, national and international dimensions, making it possible future insertion of the students in economic organizations at these levels. In terms of general and specific competences, the course provides autonomy and teamwork skills and contributes to the intermediate knowledge of this area of specialization in Economics, as well as to the ability to critically analyze the content and effects of the public policies.

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

Teaching Methods

The topics of the syllabus are presented in theoretical/practical lectures where the theoretical background is illustrated by exercises and examples, all of intermediate level. In doing so, it is provided the necessary theory of public economics to the understanding, if so, why and/or how a public sector may be relevant for the economy, focusing on the main issues of the state intervention, notably at the public policies level.

The continuous evaluation involves one written test (50%) and one assignment (50%), whereas the final evaluation consists of one single written exam (100%).