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 Where Passion Meets Policy: The Story of Samantha Kent, AM’20 Tue., May 27, 2025 Student Profile: Sophie Lara, MACRM Class of 2027 Tue., May 20, 2025 Q&A: Professor Scott Gehlbach on the War in Ukraine and What Comes Next Mon., May 19, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Get to Know Harris! A Virtual Information Session Thu., May 29, 2025 | 8:30 AM Get to Know Harris! Public Sector Scholarship Fri., May 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM Masterclass with Navin Kumar Tue., June 03, 2025 | 5:00 PM