6 ECTS credits
151 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4005232FNW for working students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
Public choice uses the economic method to analyse political behaviour. Government and individual citizens' behaviour are analysed using a single methodological framework (methodological individualism). The course provides insight in political decision making, but it also enables economics students to better grasp well-known economic concepts by applying them in a 'different' setting. Three themes are considered. First, the question why government is necessary and what functions it has to perform is addressed. Second, political decision making is analysed within the context of direct democracies. Finally, political choices in representative democracies are analysed.
Paper on public choice (theme changes yearly - paper is presented in class),
For example:
Students write a review of the empirical literature on a subject from a list provided at the beginning of the semester. Two sub-papers are requested: a first discussing a 'classic' article in the literature, a second reviewing the empirical literature following this classic article.
Students make an empirical study on tax choice. More precisely, they investigate determinants of local governments (in Flanders) to raise taxes to the local property tax (rather than through other sources of taxation).
Articles & books needed for the paper are to be selected and collected by the students.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 30% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 70% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Preliminary versions of paper can be handed in at any time (preliminary versions can not be handed in in the last two weeks before the deadline for submission).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Political Science: Democracy and Leadership (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Business Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Business Economics: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)