Public Economics & Policy

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

How and why does the government intervene in the economy? Who benefits from public spending programs? Who bears the burden of taxes? And how do individuals and businesses respond to government policies? This course explores the role of the public sector in the U.S. economy, with a focus on government spending programs and tax policy. We will examine major areas of domestic public policy -- including anti-poverty programs, Social Security, health care, education, and federal taxation -- using both economic theory and empirical evidence. By the end of the course, students will be able to think critically about how government policies shape economic outcomes and current U.S. public policy debates.