Overall objectives:

1 - Give students knowledge on the reasons and effects of State intervention in the economy. Public economics lies on the intersection of Economics, Political Science, Moral Philosophy and Law. As such, the concepts and theories analysed throughout the course allow students to understand why there is a Public Sector, why markets sometimes fail and how can the State intervene in order to correct those failures. It is also discussed the failures of the state and collective choice dilemmas which alert students for the complexities of modern democratic societies in trying to solve social and economic problems.
2 - Develop critical reasoning.
3 - Develop academic research and analytical skills.
4 - Develop team work capabilities and train the ability to produce and present academic reports.

Syllabus:

1 - Pubic economics and public finance in democray
1 - Economics and Public Finance in democracy
2 - Theories on the role of the State
2 - Theories on the role of the state
3 - Fundamentals for public intervention.
3 - Theoretical basis for public intervention
4 - Collective choice and political decision making
4 - Collective choice and public decision making.
5 - Externalities: public policy and its effects.
5 - Externalities: public policies and its effects.
6 - Inequality, poverty and social welfare.
6 - Inequality, poverty and social welfare.

Literature/Sources:

Paulo Trigo Pereira , Economia e Finanças Públicas, Escolar Editora , Escolar Editora

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The course has lectures and team work tutorials. During the lectures, the contents of the discipline are presented and explained. During tutorials, the groups are accompanied throughout the development of the academic essay they must complete and present at the end of the semester. The evaluation is divided in two parts: a final exam (on the theories presented, weighting 50% of the final mark) and a group essay on an actual Portuguese public policy analysed through the theoretical lens of the contents taught during the semester (weighting 50% of the final mark). The group essay is orally presented.