3/040 - PUBLIC ECONOMICS

The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of why governments intervene in the economy, the economic logic behind public spending and taxation decisions, and the tools used to pursue goals such as efficiency, equity, and stabilization. This knowledge is essential to grasp how and why countries cooperate or compete with each other in fiscal and economic matters. It also enables students to interpret and engage with international policy initiatives in key areas such as sustainable development, global economic governance, international tax cooperation, poverty reduction, and climate change mitigation.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will have acquired familiarity with the theoretical foundations and analytical tools necessary to understand the rationale for public intervention in the economy, as well as the challenges related to the design and implementation of public policies in the areas of allocation, redistribution, and stabilization, and the effects these policies entail.

ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Students will be able to use the acquired knowledge to critically understand and discuss key aspects of the contemporary public debate on the role of the State in market economies and the ways in which such intervention takes place.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Independent judgment:

Students will develop the ability to interpret the recent evolution of the role of the public sector in the market economy and to formulate their own critical position within the contemporary debate on public intervention.

Communication skills:

Students will acquire the ability to use technical and specialized language when discussing topics related to public economics and finance.

Learning skills:

Students will develop the ability to independently update and deepen the knowledge acquired, through advanced training pathways and professional experience.