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;

- of the economics of income distribution and the welfare state.

Students are expected to acquire a good grasp of how economics can enhance their understanding of complex policy questions concerning urban and social issues, and contribute to the search for better policy solutions.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 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. Housing: planning regulation, taxes and benefits, rent control, social housing
3. Transport: congestion, road tolls, surge pricing
4. Environment: pollution regulation vs emission trading

The second part of the course will be dedicated to the systematic study of Enrico Moretti’s “The New Geography of Jobs”. Each class will focus on two or three chapters of the book. Over the semester, all students will present one chapter each, and discuss someone else’s presentation of another chapter.

POVERTY, INEQUALITY 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. How we measure poverty and inequality
3. Trends in poverty and inequality around the world
4. Policies against poverty and inequality

The second part of the course will be dedicated to the systematic study of Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo’s “Poor economics”. Each class will focus on two or three chapters of the book. Over the semester, all students will present one chapter each, and discuss someone else’s presentation of another chapter.

Students are expected to have actively participated in the first-year course 099709 - PUBLIC ECONOMICS.
Moreover, they are required to approach the course with an open mind, curiosity to learn new things, and a willingness to engage with the subject matter seriously and systematically.
No other knowledge of economics is needed.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC POLICIES

Students will be assessed on the basis of: (i) their performance as presenters and discussants of a chapter of the book, (ii) their active participation in class, and (iiI) their performance in a written exam at the end of the term.

POVERTY, INEQUALITY AND THE WELFARE STATE

Students will be assessed on the basis of: (i) their performance as presenters and discussants of a chapter of the book, (ii) their active participation in class, and (iiI) their performance in a written exam at the end of the term.