ECON 313
Public Planning
- Catalog Entry
Economics 313. Public Planning
Three Hours Lecture (3).
Prerequisite: Economics 105 and junior or senior standing.
Semester offered: Fall or Spring
History of planning in the public sector, cost-benefit analysis, program budgeting, efficiency criteria and discounting analyzed, and specific cases reviewed. Class reports on projects undertaken by local planning agencies.
- Detailed Description of Content of the Course
This course explores the theoretical foundations for government provision of goods and services in a market economy. It reviews the fundamentals of the benefit-cost analysis of public projects and programs. It also reviews the actual political process of government budgeting.
Topic Outline
1. Introduction: The Role of Government in the Economy
2. Rationale for Public Planning
3. Defining Program Objectives
4. Estimating Project Effects
a. Direct Benefits
b. Indirect Benefits
c. Discounting
- Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
The following teaching strategies will be employed:
- Lectures, role-playing/simulation.
- Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Develop an understanding of the role of government provision of public goods and services in a market oriented economy.
2. Develop an understanding of problems in defining government's goals and objectives in providing public goods and services.
3. Learn the basis of benefit-cost analysis
4. Learn the process of government budgeting at the Federal, State, and Local levels.
- Assessment Measures
Tests, homework, reports, presentations, class participation. Grades and percentages depend on individual professors.
- Other Course Information
- Review and Approval
Date Action Reviewed by
December 2004 Made alterations to syllabus N. Hashemzadeh, Chair |