Instructional goals
The course aims :
- to provide the fundamental analytical concepts of economic policy theory
- to allow a critical evaluation of some recent economic policy decisions in Italy and in Europe.
Prerequisites
Micrroeconomics and Macroeconomics exams. Competences in these fields will be verified.
Intended learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND
The ability to understand basic concepts will be assessed.
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE
The rigor in the application of arguments for the interpretation of economic policy decisions will be evaluated. The student must be able to illustrate the effects of economic policy decisions.
The ability to establish relationships between economic policy decisions and political-institutional situations will be assessed.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The student must correctly express the knowledge acquired in written and oral form (in the classroom).
Course Contents
The four areas of economic policy will be examined
1. Allocative policies
2. Distributional policies
3. Growth theory and growth policy
4. Stabilization policies
Reference Books
1. Lecture notes provided by the professor.
2. Supplementary material (i.e. exercise solution, background readings)
Both available on elearning
Teaching Methods
a) lecture; b) 3 thematic in-depth studies proposed to students who in small groups will have to discuss, analyze and report in the classroom the results achieved; c) Throughout the course, students will be asked to critically analyse some of the economic policy decisions through quizzes and classroom discussions
Assessment Method
The methods envisaged for ascertaining the knowledge and skills acquired are:
a) a written exam with three open questions (at least one will be the solution of an exercise). The maximum achievable score is 15/30, which will be supplemented by the points earned in the classroom activity.
b) for classroom activities, three presentations by groups of the students committed to attend lessons. The maximum expected score is 15 points. This score will contribute to the final mark if the score obtained in the part a) will be at least 8/15.
For those who do not participate in classroom activities, the written examination will have six open questions, at least one of which will be the resolution of an exercise.
Thesis assignment criteria
exam minimum grade: 27/30
Week 1
Introduction to the course
Allocative policies (I part), chapter 1 of lecture notes
Week 2
Allocative policies (II part) , chapter 2 of lecture notes
Week 3
Allocative policies (III part) , chapter 3 of lecture notes
Presentation and assignment of the first thematic in-depth study
Week 4
Distributive policies, chapter 4 of lecture notes
Discussion of the first thematic in-depth study
Week 5
Presentation and assignment of the second thematic in-depth study
Labor market theory and policies, chapter 5 of lecture notes
Week 6
Labor market theory and policies, chapter 5 of lecture notes
Discussion of the second thematic in-depth study
Week 7
Fiscal policy, chapter 6 of lecture notes
Week 8
Public debt sustainability, chapter 7 of lecture notes
Week 9
Banks and the financial system, chapter 8 of lecture notes
Week 10
Monetary policy, chapter 9 of lecture notes
Presentation and assignment of the third thematic in-depth study
Week 11
Financial stability and policies, chapter 10 of lecture notes
Growth policies
Week 12
Discussion of the third thematic in-depth study, c
Growth policies, chapter 11 and 12 of lecture notes