Ateneo - UPO

The course examines the role of public intervention in modern economies, focusing on its economic rationale, alternative forms of implementation, and the main challenges associated with it. After an introduction to the historical evolution and the different models of the Welfare State, the course will focus on the analysis of the main public policies in advanced economies.

P. Bosi «Corso di Scienza delle Finanze», il Mulino Bologna (cap. VIII) Other suggested textbooks: Arachi G. e D’Antoni, M. (2023) “Scienza delle finanze”, Il Mulino Bologna, capp. 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5, 6) + integrazioni. Rosen, H. S., Gayer, T. e Rapallini, C. (ultima edizione) «Scienza delle Finanze», McGraw-Hill (capp. 8, 10, 11, 12, 21) + integrazioni Stiglitz, J.E. e Rosengard, J.K. (ultima edizione) «The Economics of the Public Sector» (ch. 13, 14, 15, 16,26, 27, 28) Additional materials (papers, reports, etc.) will be suggested in class.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABILITY: Students will be able to understand reasons, alternative modes and critical issues of the public intervention in modern economies. CAPABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: Students will be able to apply the economic theory to the analysis of the main areas of public intervention (e.g. pensions, health care, education, assistance, public utilities) and its organization across government levels at national and supranational level. AUTONOMY OF JUDGEMENT: Students will be able to critically understand the main issues related to public intervention in order to be able to autonomously assess future interventions in this area.

Teaching is primarily delivered through lectures (DE), while regularly incorporating interactive teaching activities (DI), including questions addressed to students, discussion of the topics covered, and the analysis of case studies and empirical research. DE and DI components are integrated within class sessions and therefore cannot be clearly separated in terms of teaching hours or ECTS credits.

Principal of Economics (Micro- and Macroeconomics), Public Economics/Public Finance

The course consists of lectures, hands-on sessions, exercise classes and possibly testimonials and seminars. Traditional lectures allow for direct interaction with students, who, following the instructor’s explanation, can ask questions and in turn be engaged on specific cases and issues.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam consists of a 60-minute written assessment. Students are required to answer three open-ended questions.

Students who have actively attended classes may replace one of the questions with an in-class presentation of a scientific article and/or report provided by the lecturer.

The open-ended questions may consist of several parts and sub-questions and are designed to assess:

* knowledge and understanding of specific course content;
* the ability to apply economic analysis tools;
* the ability to make independent judgements;
* the ability to develop clear and well-supported economic arguments.

Each question is worth up to 10 points, for a total of 30 points. Full marks are awarded for answers that are complete, correct and adequately justified.

Questions may cover any of the topics addressed during the course. Depending on the topic, students may be required to use graphical or analytical methods. Where explicitly requested, results must be explained and/or discussed. Correct answers that do not include the required explanation or discussion will not receive full marks.

Students who actively participate in the course may replace one of the three written questions with an in-class presentation based on a research article and/or report selected by the instructor. For these students, the final grade is based on their class participation and presentation (up to 6 points) and on two open-ended questions (up to 12 points each). The written exam lasts 60 minutes for all students.

The overall grade, expressed on a 30-point scale. The following grade ranges correspond to the indicated levels of achievement:

* 18–21/30: knowledge of the essential course content and ability to apply economic analysis tools, although with some uncertainty;
* 22–24/30: adequate knowledge of the course content and a satisfactory ability to apply economic analysis tools and support answers with appropriate arguments;
* 25–27/30: in-depth knowledge of the course content, a good ability to apply economic analysis tools and to provide sound justification for the answers;
* 28–30/30: comprehensive and rigorous knowledge of the course content, full command of economic analysis tools, independent judgement, and the ability to develop clear and well-supported arguments.

Honours may be awarded when the examination paper is particularly comprehensive and demonstrates not only a thorough understanding of the topics covered, but also the ability to critically evaluate the public policies examined.

The Welfare State (origins, historical development, models, and policy instruments)The Pension SystemEducation PolicySocial Assistance PoliciesUnemployment Insurance and Social Safety NetsFiscal Policy in the EU

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the theoretical tools of public economics to analyze and critically evaluate the main issues related to public intervention in modern economies.