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TOPICS IN APPLIED ECONOMICS
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TOPICS IN APPLIED ECONOMICS
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Academic year 2024/2025
- Course ID
- SEM0132
- Teacher
- Ambra Poggi (Lecturer)
- Year
- 2nd year
- Teaching period
- First semester
- Type
- Related or integrative
- Credits/Recognition
- 6
- Course disciplinary sector (SSD)
- SECS-P/02 - economic policy
- Delivery
- Formal authority
- Language
- English
- Attendance
- Optional
- Type of examination
- Written
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Sommario del corso
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News
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Course objectives
The course deals with topics in public economics using an applied approach. The focus is on income inequality (disparities in income among individuals) as source of costs for the society and having an impact on individual well-being. Policy makers should understand its causes and its consequences to evaluate the implementation of redistributive polices for a more equal and sustainable society as required by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The purpose of this course is to investigate the extent of inequality, its causes and its consequences. First, we define inequality and we discuss the costs of ignoring inequality in terms of lack of social cohesion, reduced growth, and difficulty in implementing policies to reduce poverty. Second, we focus on the income distribution and we learn how to measure income inequality, poverty and polarization. Third, we focus on the the recent treds of income inequality in the EU and we study some important drivers of inequality (e.g. new technologies, globalization, labour market conditions, fiscal policies and environment conditions).
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Results of learning outcomes
At the end of the course the successful student has acquired a working knowledge of the basic issues regarding the definition and measuring of inequality, the interpretation of its drivers and the role of redistribution policies. This knowledge is a core skillset for policy analysts.
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Program
Part 1. The definition of inequality and the costs of inequality
Part 2. Analysis of income distribution
- Measures of income inequality
- The structure of inequality in the society
- Measures of poverty and polarization
Part 3. Empirical analysis for the driving forces of income inequality
- Recent trends of income inequality in the EU
- Air pollution, resources degradation and climate changes
- Technological progress and globalization
- Trade unions and minimum wage
- Fiscal policies
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Course delivery
The course will be taught mainly through lectures in class. There will be some pratical classes using dataset and software (Stata) to learn how to measure income inequality. No previous knowledge are required.
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Learning assessment methods
The exam is written only (consisting of an open ended questions) and lasts 1 hour.
Students attending the classes work in groups on in-class assignments using dataset. Assignments will be scored and the course grade will be a weighted average of the following requirements: home-work 10%; team project 40%; final exam 50%.
Suggested readings and bibliography
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Relevant readings are indicated on the moodle page of the course
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Notes
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