course syllabus

PUBLIC FINANCE
CLARENDON COLLEGE
1st SEM AY 2010-2011
S.C. MADRONA, JR.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A course which analyzes the economic considerations of the government's role in the economy.
Instruction is geared towards providing an adequate framework for evaluating policy
interventions made by the government
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course aims to provide to students an understanding and awareness of public finance for
states in particular the Philippines. Through this course, the students will: acquire considerable
information, knowledge and insights about the nature of public finance, develop understanding
of the basic concepts of economic theory, introduce students to major concepts in local and
national taxation policy and develop the ability of the students to critically evaluate public policy
issues concerning rural communities, agribusiness, and natural resource use.
REQUIRED READINGS
Public Finance (8th ed), by Harvey S. Rosen and Ted Gayer is the required textbook for this
course.
COURSE OUTLINE, SCHEDULE AND READING MATERIALS
August 20, 2010
The Foundations and Tools of Public Finance
Chapters 1-2, Rosen
Chapters 3-4, Rosen
August 28, 2010
Justice and Economics
Chapters 5, 6, 7, Rosen
Long Exam # 1
September 4, 2010
September 11, 2010

Social Insurance
Chapters 9, 10 and 11, Rosen
September 18, 2010
Framework for Tax Analysis
Chapters 13, 14 and 15, Rosen
Long Exam # 2
September 25, 2010

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Long Exam # 1: 25%
Long Exam # 2: 25%
Class Participation: 40%
Seminar Paper: 10%
Total 100%
A. READ, TAKE NOTES AND ASK QUESTIONS. This course requires much reading and the
student is expected to have read the required materials when coming to class.
B. LONG EXAMS. The exam will consists of problem-solving and short answer questions based
on the class lectures and the assigned reading materials.
C. There will be GRADED RECITATION (40% of final grade) based on the required reading
materials.
D. Students are required to submit ONE (1) SEMINAR PAPER (10%] analyzing the Philippines
public finance system with emphasis on the intervention of the Philippine Government to its
market economy. The essay should not be more than 3,999 words [Garamond Font Size 11,
double-spaced, 8 x 11 ] not counting cover page, table of contents, tables, bibliography and
appendices. Use either Harvard or Chicago style of citation. Deadline is set on October 2, 2010.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
1. A student is considered absent from class if s/he is not present within the first third fraction (30
minutes) of the scheduled class time. Students should be responsible for keeping tracks of their
absences. Students render themselves ineligible for a passing grade if they are absent from class
for more than two (2) times.
2. As a courtesy of the entire class, smoking and eating inside the classroom shall be strictly
prohibited. All electronic devices must be either deactivated or at least silent.
CONSULTATION HOURS
If you wish to consult with me on matters relating to the course, please set an appointment with
me.
E-mail: scmadrona@gmail.com
Website: http://publicfinancemadrona.blogspot.com