The overall objective of the course is to provide students with the necessary theoretical and institutional knowledge and tools for understanding of :

- the economic role of the state and the functions of the public sector within a market economy;

- the composition of government spending;

- the role of public debt in modern market economies;

- the main taxes in Italy;

- the activities of decentralized public agencies;

- the fiscal policy of the European Union.

Topics initially investigate the reasons for public intervention in the economy, the theory of taxation and public debt formation, and then the main theoretical aspects of decentralization. Finally, fiscal policy of the European Union is analysed in its most relevant and recent aspects.

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Knowledge and ability to understand: the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the main reference models of finance science, the main institutions of public finance and the Italian tax system, and the theoretical models of decentralized public finance. The teaching methods by which these results will be achieved will consist of: lectures, guided exercises of both theoretical and applied content, and seminars held by experts in the field.

Applied knowledge and skills of understanding: the student should be able to apply the relevant models to specific cases of public economics, both on the national and European levels, should demonstrate ability to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of various public policies at different levels of government. The teaching methods by which these results will be achieved will consist of: lectures, guided exercises of both theoretical and applied content, and seminars given by experts in the field.

Autonomy of judgment: the student will be expected to demonstrate the ability to connect the theoretical knowledge acquired in order to competently and autonomously confront the debate on public intervention in the economy and be able to demonstrate his or her own judgment. The teaching methods by which these results will be achieved will consist of: lectures, guided exercises of both theoretical and applied content, and direct confrontation with experts in the field.

Communication skills: the student will be expected to acquire communication skills that are clear and effective, expressing knowledge through specific vocabulary related to the various topics covered during the course. The teaching methods by which these results will be achieved will consist of: lectures, guided exercises of both theoretical and applied content with the production of papers, direct confrontation with experts in the subject.

Ability to learn: The student will be expected to develop good learning and reasoning skills that will enable him or her to tackle later paths of in-depth study on the knowledge acquired about state intervention in the economy. The teaching methods by which these results will be achieved will consist of: lectures, guided exercises of both theoretical and applied content, and seminars held by experts in the field.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Seminars with external experts and exercises.

Teaching

The course involves the use of different teaching modalities:

- Lectures

- Guided exercises of both theoretical and applied content

- Seminars taught by subject matter experts

There will be in-depth materials and handouts on the blended platform that complement the coverage and enable the student to prepare in a purposeful way for the study of the various topics.

Innovative teaching methods

- Debate: this is a collection of ideas on the chosen topic, whereby students are divided into teams-one for and one against-called to debate the key issue defined in the preparation phase.

- Problem-solving learning: this is problem-based learning for small groups; the space in which the class is held is organized to encourage work in small groups (6-8 students if possible).

Attendance

There is no attendance requirement. However, class attendance is recommended for a better understanding of the study topics and to acquire a solid preparation that will enable the student to adequately tackle the exam.

Course books

Recommended study text:

Bosi P., Corso di Scienza delle finanze, Il Mulino, Bologna, 9th edition, 2023. All chapters indicated should be studied, except the paragraphs for which reading is specifically indicated. Chapters: 1, 3 (read 7.2, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6), 4 (read 5.2, 5.3 and 6), 5 (read 4.3, and all of 5), 6 (read all of 4). Read chapter 2 carefully.

Assessment

Assessment is through a written test consisting of 3 reasoned questions related to 3 different parts of the program. The student must answer the questions thoroughly and clearly in such a way as to demonstrate:

- that he/she has well assimilated the economic concepts and theoretical models presented during the course;

- that he or she is able to apply the conceptual frameworks to the relevant institutional reality, and to understand the policy implications that flow from the theoretical models;

- to be able to answer the questions rigorously and concisely taking into account the time constraint, supporting the arguments with the use of any graphs and/or other analytical tools and using appropriate language; adherence of the answer to what is being asked is important.

The allotted time is 70 minutes. Each individual question may receive a maximum grade of 10, which is then added to the others to get the overall grade. The grade for the written test is given in thirtieths. With a sufficient grade, it is possible to eventually enter the oral examination. The Examination Committee at its discretion may decide to supplement the written test with the oral test.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Information matches that of the attending students.

Attendance

Non-attending students are encouraged to make contact with the lecturer via e-mail and/or come to the reception at least once during the academic year for timely clarification of the syllabus and assessment methods.   

Course books

Information matches that of the attending students.

Assessment

Information matches that of the attending students.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Formal and theory demonstrations will not be asked in the final test, but all the related economic implications will be relevant part of the exam. Graphs are very important.

The student can request to sit the final exam in English with an alternative bibliography. Please contact the lecturer.