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Unit of study_
LAWS6257: Public Policy
2022 unit information
The aim of the unit is to provide an understanding of the role of government policy within the analytical framework of welfare economics. Questions of central interest include: What are the conditions that justify government intervention? How can policies be designed to support basic principles of social justice? What kinds of reforms promote economic efficiency? Applications will range from taxation and social security to environmental regulation and protection, and will cover the following specific topics: The structure of the Australian tax-benefit system; Uncertainty and social insurance; Unemployment, health and retirement income insurance; Externalities, environmental taxes and tradeable permits; Monopoly and environmental regulation; Utility pricing and access problems; Cost benefit analysis, intergenerational equity and growth. The unit will provide an overview of the main empirical methodologies used in evaluating policy reforms in these areas. Students may select to specialise in one or more of the policy areas.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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LAWS6139 or LAWS6042 or LAWS6113 or LAWS6984 or LAWS3447 or LAWS5147 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Develop capacity to think logically in the analysis of public policy
- LO2. Develop a knowledge and understanding of modern public economic theory
- LO3. Develop ability to read and understand how to use data in the analysis of policy
- LO4. Develop a capacity to apply modern public economic theory and draw on econometric evidence in the analysis and design of public policy
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
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