Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - ECON 891 G100

The Economics of Public Choice (4)

Class Number: 2756

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Applies economic theory to the analysis of non-market, political choice. Some of the topics studied will be coalition formation and rational voter behavior; allocations under various property rights systems; optimal constitutions; public sector externalities; federalism; discrimination, nationalism and crime.

COURSE DETAILS:

Graduate level exploration into the study of non-market political choice, also known as “public choice” or “political economics”. Students will learn about the basic models economists use to describe political choice, and how they can be applied to better understand government behaviour and characteristics. Applications to specific policies such as income redistribution, provision of public services and education or health care are discussed.

The course will be divided into two parts. The first part will consist of lectures that develop the key theoretical insights from the literature on policy determination in the political process. In the second part, students will present original research papers that are mostly concerned with empirical work and applications. Students will also write a blog post, policy brief, or research proposal on a topic related to the class material.

Outline of the lecture part:

  1. Introduction
  2. Basic theories of policy formation and electoral competition
  3. When Politicians care about policies
  4. Holding office holders accountable
  5. Organized interest groups (time permitting)
**NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES**

Grading

  • Exam 30%
  • Class presentations 30%
  • Written term project 20%
  • Class participation 20%

NOTES:

Grades are based on an exam at the end of the lecture part (30%), class presentationsincluding one replication (30%), written term project (20%), class participation (20%)

REQUIREMENTS:

Students will need a good working knowledge of microeconomic theory (in particular game theory and basic agency theory). Participants are expected to do a number of assigned readings. These are original articles that will be made available electronically and various chapters of the following textbooks which will be placed on reserve in the library.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Besley, T. (2006). Principled Agents? Lectures on the Political Economy of Good Government. Oxford University Press.

Grossman, G. and E. Helpman (2001). Special Interest Politics, MIT Press

Persson, T. and G. Tabellini (2000). Political Economics: Explaining Economic Policy. The MIT Press

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.