Registry
Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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| Description | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Public choice theory provides a conceptual apparatus for examining the relationship between economics and political science. Within the last twenty years, public choice theory has emerged as an important method for understanding politics. The purpose of the module is to provide students with a thorough exposure to the main public choice theories as they relate both to the normative and positive strands of political science. This will include an examination of the successes and failures of public choice, including applications and empirical findings. Students are expected to participate in lecture discussions and will complete a term paper which will require independent research. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1. Explain the economic rational for governments role in enacting public policies 2. Apply rational choice models to political institutions and processes to clarify their mechanisms 3. Discuss the merits and demerits of direct and indirect representation 4. Apply theoretical models, ideas and arguments to actual political events and outcomes 5. Critique therational agent approach of public choice theories in light of its applicability in various contexts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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| Indicative Content and Learning Activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The reasons for collective choice. Allocative efficiency, redistribution, searching for the "public interest". Public Choice in a Direct Democracy. The choice of voting rule, majority rule (postiive and normative properties), alternatives to majority rule. Public Choice in a Representative Democracy. Federalism, two-party competition (deterministic and probabilistic voting), multiparty systems, the paradox of voting, rent seeking, public provision and the "return to the market". Applications and Testing. Political competition and macroeconomic performance, interest groups, campaign contributions and lobbying, bureaucracy, dictatorship, the size of government, government size and economic performance, political business cycles. (Depending on time available one or more of these applications/testing will be covered).. Normative Public Choice. Bergson-Samuelson social welfare functions, the Arrow and Sen impossibility of social ordering, utilitarian contracts, liberal rights and social choices, Rawls social contract theory.. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Other Resources | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 237, 0, Other readings will be drawn from journal articles, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPL | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EPLYA | BA in Economics, Politics and Law | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timetable this semester: Timetable for EF325 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of Last Revision | 08-NOV-06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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