Tuesday 2 February 2016

COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST - POLI 472: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION



DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

POLI 472: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

SECOND SEMESTER, 2015/2016
DAY: Thursday
VENUE: JQB 14
            TIME: 7.30am - 9.30am

LECTURER: DR ABDULAI KUYINI MOHAMMED
Consultation: Tuesday, 11 am -2 pm

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 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:
  • understand and explain 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. 4,  2016
Introduction to Public Finance


Lecture: JQB 14 


2
Feb 11, 2016
Welfare Economics
Introduction to Public Finance
Lecture: JQB 14
Tutorial:

3
Feb 18, 2016
Welfare Economics
Welfare Economics
Lecture: JQB 14
Tutorial:

4
Feb 25, 2015
Market Failure and Externalities

Welfare Economics
Lecture: JQB 14
Tutorial:

5
March 3, 2016
Public and Private Goods
Market Failure and Externalities
Lecture: JQB 14


6
March 10, 2016
Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)
Public and Private Goods
Lecture: JQB 14


7
March 17, 2016


Lecture: JQB 14

Interim Assessment  (30%);
7.30 am
8
March 24, 2016
Public Revenue (Taxation)
Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)
Lecture: JQB 14
Tutorial:

9
March 31, 2016
Public Expenditure
Public Revenue (Taxation)
Lecture: JQB 14
Tutorial:

10
April 7, 2016
Public Expenditure
Public Expenditure
Lecture: JQB 14
Tutorial:

11
April 14, 2016
Public Debt
Public Debt
Lecture: JQB 14


12
April 21, 2015
Fiscal Policy Debate in Ghana
Fiscal policy Debate in Ghana
Lecture: JQB 14


13
April 28, 2015
Fiscal Decentralization in Ghana
RFiscal Decentralization in Ghana


16 - 18
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. (9th edition). McGraw-Hill.

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

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