Topics in Public Economics and Political Economy

SE 040292-1

The purpose of the seminar is to critically discuss recent developments in Public Economics and Political Economy in a small group of advanced students. The course educates students to become critical consumers of current research in public economics and political economy and aims at inspiring students for their own research projects. 

Method: I propose readings on selected topics (see below). In the first session, I briefly present the topics and the papers. Each student selects one (or two shorter) papers on which s/he is “in charge”, and 3 papers on which s/he submits questions in writing. The discussion in class is organized as follows: The person “in charge” briefly presents the paper (max. 10’). Students who handed in comments / questions briefly explain their contribution which serves as an input to the discussion. The person in charge should be able to summarize each section/paragraph of the paper in his or her own words at any time during the discussion.  All participants are expected to participate in the discussion and contribute their own thoughts and views on the papers. 

Requirements: Participants need to have taken an introductory class to Public Economics, for example my lecture “Grundzüge der Finanzwissenschaft”. Students with comparable backgrounds can also be admitted (provide handout and grade of classes taken elsewhere). 

Participation in the first class is compulsory. You cannot participate in this course if you do not attend the first session (7.10.)

Successful completion of this course earns students 4 ECTS credits.

Grading 

a) for the person "in charge" has two components. 1) Presentation of the paper (20%). Hand in your slides 24h before your seminar presentation. 2) Performance in navigating the group through the paper and ability to answer questions of fellow students (and the instructor) (20% of final grade).

b) Students are requested to read all papers and to actively participate in discussion (20%). As grading is based on your active participation in the course, you must not miss more than two sessions.

c) Hand in questions and comments to at least 3 papers (max. 2 questions per paper). Comments should be critical and may, for example, relate to the theoretical perspective, the empirical approach of the paper, the validity of the analysis, or the interpretation of results. Provide a short explanation for why your question may be relevant or interesting (max. 1 page per question). Best 2 attempts count. Hand in your comments and questions 24h before the seminar (40%).

Readings: see handout (readings are also provided on Moodle)