Details
Code 02684
Level of study Second Year
Credit value 20
Semester 1 and 2
Pre-requisite modules Where students take this course as a 10 credit unit they will be expected to undertake self directed study of the material not covered from the readin
Module description
This module is a basic introduction to public choice theory. It provides an economic analysis of the reasons for the existence of the public sector, and uses a few elementary economic concepts to analyse some key questions concerning central and local government action. Why might it be rational to be ignorant of parties’ policies in an election? How instructive is it to regard politicians as being akin to firms, but maximising votes instead of profits? Why does income redistribution often flow from the poor to the rich instead of the other way? What motivates bureaucrats? How can the relationship between collective and individual interests be analysed through game theory?
Teaching and learning methods
These courses are taught by a combination of lectures, classes and directed reading.
This module is available as:
Autumn term only 10 credit unit – 3,000 word assessed essay
Spring term only 10 credit unit – 3,000 word assessed essay
Whole Year 20 credit unit – 2 x 2,500 word summative essays (45% each), Plus summative presentation (10%)