ECO 420 Public Choice and the Economics of Politics

Public Choice is the study of the economics of politics using applied microeconomics. It examines decision making within democratic political structures. The course examines the economics of voting, bureaucracy, political economy, and constitutional design, from the perspective of private individuals, elected officials, and special interest groups. The tools of the course are used to analyze contemporary policy issues including voting rights, political entrepreneurship, foreign aid/intervention, and taxation policy. Students are required to undertake individualized research projects, applying the core materials from the course to their own areas of interest.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

ECO 320.

Distribution

(SS) (W)

Offered

every other fall semester.