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

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

POLI 472: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

SECOND SEMESTER, 2014/2015

DAY: Thursdays

VENUE: JQB 23

            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 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. 5,  2015	Introduction to Public Finance		Lecture: JQB 23
2	Feb 12, 2015	Welfare Economics	Introduction to Public Finance	Lecture: JQB 23 Tutorial:
3	Feb 19, 2015	Welfare Economics	Welfare Economics	Lecture: JQB 23 Tutorial:
4	Feb 26, 2015	Market Failure and Externalities	Welfare Economics	Lecture: JQB 23 Tutorial:
5	March 5, 2015	Public and Private Goods	Market Failure and Externalities	Lecture: JQB 23
6	March 12, 2015	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Public and Private Goods	Lecture: JQB 23
7	March 19, 2015			Lecture: JQB 23	Interim Assessment  (30%); 3.30 pm
8	March 26, 2015	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Lecture: JQB 23 Tutorial:
9	April 9, 2015	Public Expenditure	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Lecture: JQB 23 Tutorial:
10	April 16, 2015	Public Expenditure	Public Expenditure	Lecture: JQB 23 Tutorial:
11	April 23, 2015	Public Debt	Public Debt	Lecture: JQB 23
12	April 30, 2015	Fiscal Policy Debate in Ghana	Fiscal policy Debate in Ghana	Lecture: JQB 23
13	May 7, 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. (9^th edition). McGraw-Hill.

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