Public Economics
ECON 410 • Spring 2022 • Hood College
Analyze and understand how actual public policy is made by actual governments by examining the incentives and constraints of individuals choosing in politics and other non-markets.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand the incentives of different participants in a liberal democracy, particularly voters, politicians, bureaucrats, regulators, and special interest groups
- Understand the processes by which actual public policy gets made by actual people
- Understand the difference between constitutional-level rules and political rules and the importance of each
- Explain current events and public policies in terms of individuals accomplishing separate political goals through political exchanges
- Recognize the analytical and practical similarities and differences between individuals acting in markets and non-market institutions
- Understand and explain real world differences in outcomes and in operations between political, cultural, economic, and social institutions in different societies
- Overcome the nirvana fallacy
Schedule
Syllabus