BPV_APPA Research studies

Faculty of Economics and Administration
Spring 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Martin Guzi, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martin Guzi, Ph.D.
Department of Public Economics – Faculty of Economics and Administration
Contact Person: Jana Biskupová
Supplier department: Department of Public Economics – Faculty of Economics and Administration
Timetable
Tue 10:00–11:50 P304, except Tue 2. 4.
Prerequisites
The class assumes the basic knowledge of microeconomic concepts.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
In recent years, a so-called “post-truth” world emerged, where evidence, scientific expertise, and technical knowledge seem to carry less weight than opinions that appeal to personal beliefs. This course examines a variety of topics related to public policy, with the goal of preparing students to understand the contemporary issues in policymaking. These include public economics and tax policy, labor economics, law and economics, health care policy, transportation demand and policy, and others. The course proceeds in two major parts. The first part covers topics from recent empirical research with a strong focus on class discussion and cooperative learning. The second part includes lectures organized within the Masaryk University Economic Seminar (MUES) series hosted by international scholars from world’s top universities and public institutions. In addition to the networking possibilities, attending research seminar is a perfect opportunity to discuss the current trends and developments in all major areas of economics.
Learning outcomes
The course put an emphasis on empirical research and encourage students to elaborate selective case studies into class presentations. Students will learn to critically analyze, understand and tackle contemporary policy challenges.
Syllabus
  • This course examines a variety of topics related to public policy, with the goal of preparing students to understand the contemporary issues in policymaking. These include public economics and tax policy, labor economics, law and economics, health care policy, transportation demand and policy, and others.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • BORJAS, George J. Labor economics. Eight edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2020, xvi, 478. ISBN 9781260565522. info
    not specified
  • IZA World of Labor is an online platform that provides policy analysts, journalists, academics and society generally with relevant and concise information on labor market issues.
Teaching methods
Classes have seminar format with a strong focus on class discussion and cooperative learning. We expect students to come to the classes. They are expected to participate in the class discussions and introduce the papers that they have read and also, their thoughts about them. If students miss classes not only will they not know the material, but they also deprive their classmates and lecturer of learning from them, and we lose the benefit of their contribution. Students will elaborate empirical research paper into class presentations. Papers are assigned to students during the first two weeks of the semester. Students shall attend public seminars and elaborate two written assignments (critical summary reports).
Assessment methods
Students are expected to attend class regularly and to prepare for the class by following the suggested readings and related materials. Grading is based on class presentation (20 points), short written assignments (2 x 8 points), class participation (max 24 points) and final exam (40 points). Final grades are based on the overall score: A (more than 91 points), B (81 – 90), C (71 – 80), D (61 – 70), E (55 – 60), F (less than 55 points)
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
Course coordinator: Martin Guzi Office: Room 316 Email: martin.guzi@econ.muni.cz
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2024, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/econ/spring2024/BPV_APPA