099732 - ECONOMICS OF PUBLIC ISSUES

099734 - ISSUES OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS

The main aim of the course is to provide Politecnico di Milano (i.e. non-economics) students with a solid understanding of how the tools of economic analysis can help inform real-world dilemmas and debates about a range of public policies.

The first part of the course will involve an introductory lecture on the principles and methodologies of economic analysis, followed by a number of lectures dedicated to specific pubic policies:

1. Introduction
2. Labour markets: minimum wage, employment protection legislation
3. Education: School vouchers, student loans
4. Housing: planning regulation, taxes and benefits, rent control, social housing
5. Transport: congestion, road tolls, surge pricing
6. Environment: pollution regulation vs emission trading

The second part of the course will be dedicated to student presentations of selected topics and key readings.

099733 - POVERTY, INEQUALITY AND THE WELFARE STATE

The main aim of the course is to provide Politecnico di Milano (i.e. non-economics) students with a solid understanding of the economics of income distribution and the welfare state.

The first part of the course will involve an introductory lecture on the principles and methodologies of economic analysis, followed by a number of lectures dedicated to specific pubic policies:

1. Introduction
2. Poverty relief
3. Unemployment benefits
4. Health care
5. Retirement pensions
6. Income distribution: poverty, inequality, mobililty

The second part of the course will be dedicated to student presentations of selected topics and key readings.

Students will be assessed on the basis of their performance in a course assignment and a written exam at the end of the term.