COURSE OUTLINE AND READING LIST FOR POLI 472: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION, SECOND SEMESTER 2019/2020 ACADEMIC YEAR

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

POLI 472: PUBLIC FINANCE ADMINISTRATION

3 CREDITS

SECOND SEMESTER, 2019/2020

DAY: Tuesday

VENUE: JQB 9

            TIME: 1.30pm - 3.20pm

LECTURER: DR ABDULAI KUYINI MOHAMMED

OFFICE: Room 5, Department of Political Science

CONSULTATION: Thursday, 11 am -2 pm

Email: akmohammed@ug.edu.gh

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 Learning Outcomes	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 analyse government behaviour; understand the rationale behind common public programmes, 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. 6,  2020	Introduction to Public Finance		JQB 9
2	Feb. 13, 2020	Philosophies of Public Finance	Introduction to Public Finance	JQB 9
3	Feb. 20 2020	Economics for understanding Public Finance	Philosophies of Public Finance	JQB 9
4	Feb. 27, 2020	Welfare Economics	Economics for understanding Public Finance	JQB 9
5	March 5, 2020	Welfare Economics	Welfare Economics	JQB 9
6	March 12, 2020	Market Failure and Externalities	Market Failure and Externalities	JQB 9
7	March 19, 2020			JQB 9	Interim Assessment (30%); 7.30 am
8	March 26, 2019	Public and Private Goods	Public and Private Goods	JQB 9
9	April 2, 2020	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	Public Revenue (Definition and Elements)	JQB 9
10	April 9, 2020	Public Revenue (Taxation)	Public Revenue (Taxation)	JQB 9
11	April 16, 2019	Public Expenditure	Public Expenditure	JQB 9
12	April 23, 2020	Public Debt	Public Debt	JQB 9
13	April 30, 2020	Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy	Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy	JQB 9
14 - 15	Exam (70%)

Plagiarism policy

Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and shall be treated as a serious offence. Appropriate sanctions, as stipulated in the Plagiarism Policy, will be applied when students are found to have violated the Plagiarism policy.  The policy is available at http://www.ug.edu.gh/aqau/policies-guidelines.  ALL students are expected to familiarize themselves with the contents of the Policy.  

Assessment and Grading

Mid-semester test/assignment: 30%

Final Exam: 70%

Grading Scale

Refer to the Undergraduate Handbook for details on the grading scale.

Reading List /Required Text

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.

Other Information

It is expected that students will attend lectures regularly and punctually. Students are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification of any portions of lectures they do not understand. Students are also encouraged to study in groups as doing so will enable them to share ideas, help each other out and jointly solve problems. Placing and receiving calls on cell phones while in class is not permissible. While in class students should put their cell phones on the “silent” mode in order that incoming calls might not disrupt lectures. Laptops are allowed in class only for taking notes. Tutorial attendance will be strictly monitored and tutors are expected to record attendance.