An introduction to welfare economics

A.A. 2019/2020
3
Crediti massimi
20
Ore totali
SSD
SECS-P/01
Lingua
Inglese
Obiettivi formativi
The course is designed to provide an introduction to the conceptual apparatus of modern Welfare Economics. Its objective is to equip the students with the basic analytical tools required to read and understand contemporary literature in both theoretical and applied Welfare Economics.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
By attending the Lab activities the students will learn how to evaluate economic policy measures aimed at improving social welfare.
Corso singolo

Questo insegnamento non può essere seguito come corso singolo. Puoi trovare gli insegnamenti disponibili consultando il catalogo corsi singoli.

Programma e organizzazione didattica

Edizione unica

Periodo
Secondo semestre

Programma
The focus of the course is both theoretical and applied. The two Fundamental Theorems of Welfare Economics will be introduced and critically discussed. An introduction to social welfare analysis will be provided. Game-theoretic foundations of general competitive analysis will be reviewed. Welfare effects of economic changes and policy measures will be discussed in both a general and a partial equilibrium framework. Perfectly competitive and monopolistic markets will be compared from a welfare perspective.

1. The Two Fundamental Theorems of Welfare Economics in a Competitive General Equilibrium Context
2. First-Order Conditions for Walrasian Equilibria, Pareto Optima, and Social Welfare Optima
3. Coalitional Game Theory: Core and Competitive Equilibria
4. Partial Equilibrium Competitive Analysis
5. The Two Fundamental Theorems of Welfare Economics in a Competitive Partial Equilibrium Context
6. Welfare Evaluation of Economic Changes: Money Metric, Equivalent Variation and Compensating Variation
7. Welfare Analysis in the Partial Equilibrium Model: The Marshallian Surplus
8. Free-Entry and Long-Run Competitive Equilibria
9. Monopoly Pricing
10. Perfect Competition vs. Monopoly: A Comparison from a Welfare Perspective
Prerequisiti
The students are expected to fully master the topics dealt with in the course of Advanced Microeconomics - Master Program in Environmental and Food Economics.
Metodi didattici
The Laboratory will consist of a series of lessons and classes, where the students will have the opportunity to interact with the instructor and to participate in collective activities.
Materiale di riferimento
Mas-Colell A., M. D. Whinston, and J. R. Green, Microeconomic Theory, Oxford Univerity Press, Oxford, 1995, Chapters 3.I, 10, 16, 18.B, 22.B, 22.C.
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
The learning progress of the class will be systematically tested over the entire duration of the course. The students will be asked to prepare short essays to be publicly presented and discussed. The final assessment will be based on the joint evaluation of the individual participation in both class activities and essay elaboration.
At least 80% of the meetings (at least 16 hours) must be attended to qualify for a pass.
SECS-P/01 - ECONOMIA POLITICA - CFU: 3
Laboratori Umanistici: 20 ore
Docente: Donzelli Franco
Turni:
-
Docente: Donzelli Franco