Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2018/19 Session


If you find any data displayed on this website that should be amended, please contact the Curriculum Management Team.

Module Title LI Public Choice Theory
SchoolGovernment
Department Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code 07 02684
Module Lead
Level Intermediate Level
Credits 20
Semester Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions none
Contact Hours Lecture-20 hours
Seminar-20 hours
Guided independent study-160 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description This module is a basic introduction to public choice theory. It provides an economic analysis of the reasons for the existence of the public sector, and uses a few elementary economic concepts to analyse some key questions concerning central and local government action. Why might it be rational to be ignorant of parties’ policies in an election? How instructive is it to regard politicians as being akin to firms, but maximising votes instead of profits? Why does income redistribution often flow from the poor to the rich instead of the other way? What motivates bureaucrats? How can the relationship between collective and individual interests be analysed through game theory?
Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module will be expected to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the basic elements of Public Choice theory and how to apply economic reasoning and analysis to issues of government intervention
  • demonstrate a knowledge of some elementary concepts and examples of game theory, collective action and voting theory as applied to the analysis of government
  • understand generally how political issues and actions can be analysed in economic terms.
Assessment 02684-01 : 1000 Word Essay : Coursework (30%)
02684-05 : Oral Contributions : Presentation (10%)
02684-06 : 2500 Word Essay : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment: 1 x 1000 words essay (30%)
1 x 2500 words essay (60%)
1 x oral contributions to seminars (10%)

Reassessment: 1 x 2000 word essay (100%)
Other none
Reading List