COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST: POLI 472 (PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION)

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

POLI 472: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

SECOND SEMESTER, 2013/2014

VENUE: KAB

TIME: 3.30pm - 5.30pm

LECTURER: DR ABDULAI KUYINI MOHAMMED

Course Title	PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION
Course Code	POLI 472
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 addresses the following questions: What role should and does government play in the economy? What are the effects of government spending, borrowing, and taxation on efficiency, equity and economic stability and growth? The course covers economic analysis, statistical evidence and historical and current fiscal policy debates in Ghana and around the world. Policy topics such as fiscal crises, budget surpluses/deficits; tax reform; social security, public goods, and externalities; fiscal federalism; public investment; and cost-benefit analysis are also examined.
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	Feb. 11,  2014	Introduction to Public Finance		Lecture: KAB
2	Feb 18, 2014	Welfare Economics	Introduction to Public Finance	Lecture: KAB Tutorial:
3	Feb 25, 2014	Welfare Economics	Welfare Economics	Lecture: KAB Tutorial:
4	March 4, 2014	Market Failure and Externalities	Welfare Economics	Lecture: KAB Tutorial:
5	March 11, 2014	Public and Private Goods	Market Failure and Externalities	Lecture: KAB
6	March 18, 2014	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Public and Private Goods	Lecture: KAB
7	March 25, 2014			Lecture: KAB	Interim Assessment  (30%); 3.30 pm
8	April 1, 2014	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Lecture: KAB Tutorial:
9	April 8, 2014	Public Expenditure	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Lecture: KAB Tutorial:
10	April 15, 2014	Public Debt	Public Expenditure	Lecture: KAB Tutorial:
11	April 22, 2014	Fiscal Policy Debate in Ghana	Public Debt	Lecture: KAB
12	April 29, 2014	Fiscal Decentralization in Ghana	Budgetary System	Lecture: KAB
13			Revision
15 - 16	Exam (70%)

Reference Texts 

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

Harvey, R. and Gayer, T. (2010), Public finance. (9^th edition). McGraw-Hill.

Hillman, A. L. (2009). Public finance policy: Responsibilities and limitations of government. 2^nd edition. Cambridge University Press.