Dr N Olekalns. 316-313 Microeconomics or equivalent. Second semester Three hours a week of lectures/seminars. On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• judge the usefulness and limitations of current economic models used in the area of public economics;
• critically evaluate contemporary policy debates in the area of public economics with reference to advanced economic theory;
• extend their knowledge of Public Economics via independent study and by taking advanced subjects in this area.

The general problems associated with the role of the State in the economy. Topics will be chosen from: the theory of the State; the role of government in promoting economic growth; collective choice mechanisms; the economic analysis of bureaucracy; public goods; Coase theorem; national debt; taxation issues. A 3-hour examination (80 per cent) and class assignments totalling approximately 2,000 words (20 per cent). Mueller D C Public Choice II, Cambridge University Press