POLI 432: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

POLI 432: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

SECOND SEMESTER, 2012/2013

VENUE: NNB 3

TIME: 1.30pm - 3.30pm

LECTURER: DR ABDULAI KUYINI MOHAMMED

Course Title	PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION
Course Code	POLI 432
Course Description	Public Finance examines the role of governments in market-oriented economies and the effects of government policies in resource allocation (efficiency) and income distribution (equity). In other words, Public Finance is the study of the role and nature of the government sector in the economy of a country. The course covers theories of public expenditure (welfare criteria, public and private goods, externalities, etc.) – the fundamental theoretical principles that justify the existence of the public sector, revenue (taxation), public debt, using concepts and tools in microeconomics and welfare economics. The discussion of concepts and issues will be related to contemporary conditions internationally and in Ghana.
Purpose and objectives	The course provides students with an understanding of the underlying economic frameworks that are appropriate to the study of social outcomes. It also helps them to appreciate the different market environments in which government decisions must be made. Finally, it enables students to use a rational approach in the evaluation of government interventions and programs. The subject is a fundamental field of study for any student who is interested in public affairs and the role of government in market economies. At the end of this course student should be able to: demonstrate an  understanding of the basic economic concepts used in the study of public finance; apply appropriate economic tools to analyze government behaviour; understand the rationale behind common public programs, the considerations for designing taxation policies, and the potential problems in public decision-making process; construct and present logical arguments in the evaluation of current issues in public sector economics; acquire knowledge about the economy of Ghana and the management of public finance.
Week No.	Date	Lecture Course	Tutorials	Venue	Assessment
1	Jan. 28,  2013	Introduction to Public Finance		Lecture: NNB 3
2	Feb 4, 2013	Welfare Economics	Introduction to Public Finance	Lecture: NNB 3 Tutorial:
3	Feb 11, 2013	Welfare Economics	Welfare Economics	Lecture: NNB 3 Tutorial:
4	Feb. 18, 2013	Market Failure and Externalities	Welfare Economics	Lecture: NNB 3 Tutorial:
5	Feb 25, 2013	Public and Private Goods	Market Failure and Externalities	Lecture: NNB 3
6	March 4, 2013	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Public and Private Goods	Lecture: NNB 3
7	March 11, 2013	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Lecture: NNB 3
8	March 18, 2013	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Lecture: NNB 3 Tutorial:
9	March 25, 2013	Public Expenditure	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Lecture: NNB 3 Tutorial:
10	April 8, 2013	Public Debt	Public Expenditure	Lecture: NNB 3 Tutorial:
11	April 15, 2013	Budgetary System	Public Debt	Lecture: NNB 3
12	April 22, 2013	Budgetary System	Budgetary System	Lecture: NNB 3
13			Revision
15 - 16	Exam (100%)

Reference Texts 

Buchanan, J.M. (1999). The demand and supply of public goods. Liberty Fund Incorporated: Indianapolis.

Harvey, R. and Gayer, T. (2008), Public finance. (8^th edition). McGraw-Hill.

Hillman, A. L. (2003). Public finance policy: Responsibilities and limitations of government. Cambridge University Press.

Musgrave, R. A. & Musgrave, Peggy, R. (1989). Public finance in theory and practice (5^th Edition), McGraw-Hill, New York.