Course # 32220 Section Number 1 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 2:00pm-3:20pm Term Spring 2025 Course Instructor Nathan Barker Syllabus Syllabus 2/25/25 Public Economics is the study of the role that the government plays in the economy, including both the theoretical rationale for government intervention, and the efficiency and equity consequences of its actions. In this course, we will study four broad themes related to the role of the government: (1) public goods and externalities, including education, infrastructure and the environment, (2) redistribution and social insurance, including health insurance, social security, and cash transfer programs, (3) taxation, and (4) policies to promote economic growth. For each thematic area, we will study the economic theory, and read and evaluate the empirical evidence regarding the impacts of government intervention. As part of this course, we will consider government programs in policies in both higher- and lower-income countries. Quarter Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Spring 2025 Public Economics Nathan Barker Tuesday, Thursday 2:00pm-3:20pm Syllabus Recent News More news Alumni Profile: Daisuke Kageyama, MPP'23 Thu., June 26, 2025 Inside the Machinery of Misinformation: Konstantin Sonin Explores How Authoritarian Regimes Manipulate Minds Wed., June 25, 2025 Rohen Shah, PhD’25, Receives Horowitz Foundation Award for Education Research Tue., June 24, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Harris Summer Mixer in Bogotá Sat., July 05, 2025 | 8:00 PM Andrés DC Cl. 82 #12 -21 Bogotá, DC, 110221 Colombia Harris Summer Campus Visit Mon., July 07, 2025 | 10:00 AM Harris School of Public Policy 1307 E 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States Get to Know Harris! A Virtual Information Session Wed., July 09, 2025 | 8:30 AM