Numbering Code	U-ECON00 30030 SJ43 U-ECON00 40040 SJ43	Year/Term	2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits	2	Course Type
Target Year		Target Student
Language	Japanese	Day/Period	Tue.5
Instructor name	HASEGAWA MAKOTO (Graduate School of Economics Associate Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course	In this seminar, we will study the theory and methods of empirical analysis in the field of public economics. Public economics is a field of applied microeconomics in which government activities and roles (public policies) are analyzed using methods of microeconomics and econometrics. In this seminar, we will study the theory of public economics by reading textbooks. In addition, we will read academic papers that empirically examine the effects of economic policies and systems, such as tax, fiscal, and social security systems to learn various methods for empirical analysis. Each of senior students is required to find his/her research theme and write a research paper (graduation thesis) under the guidance of the advisor.
Course Goals	The objectives of this seminar are to understand the theory of public economics, learn the various methods of empirical analysis concerning public policy, and become familiar with reading academic articles. Senior students are required to find their own research themes of interest, engage in empirical or theoretical analysis, and write research papers (graduation theses). Through working on the thesis research, students are expected to refine the ability to correctly interpret data figures and analytical results, and develop compelling discussions. In addition, the students should refine their presentation and communication skills through presentations and discussions during the seminars.
Schedule and Contents	We will study the theory of public economics and the methods of empirical analysis while group reading public economics textbooks and academic papers. Candidates for the books for group reading are Hayashi, Ogawa, Bessho (2010), and Hindriks and Myles (2013), as listed in the reference section. The topics to be dealt with will be determined with a focus on the tax, financial, and social security systems while taking into account the interests of participants. Academic papers will be introduced for reading in stages while paying attention to the student's knowledge of statistics and econometrics and will gradually become more specialized. We may also study econometrics as necessary. Participants will participate in seminars after reading the designated places of textbooks and papers in advance. Each time the assignee for reporting is determined, the assignee is asked to report the outline. All will discuss the questions. The seminars will be conducted jointly with junior and senior students. Senior students will find their research themes on a subject concerning public economics, such as taxation, public finance, and social security systems, and engage in empirical analysis using data (or theoretical analysis) under the instructor's guidance. Then they aim to write a research paper (graduation thesis) by the end of the second semester. The course schedule is as follows. However, the order and frequency are adjusted according to the interests of the participants and the progress of learning. Sessions 1-6: Learning about the theory of public economics and econometrics Sessions 7-12: Reading academic papers and learning the methods of empirical analysis Sessions 13-15: Presentation of the research and survey results
Evaluation Methods and Policy	Evaluation based on regular participation (e.g., participation in classes, presentations and reports, assignments).
Course Requirements	Requirements for taking this course include basic knowledge of microeconomics and econometrics.
Study outside of Class (preparation and review)	Read the designated sections of textbooks and papers in advance every time. The assignee responsible for presentation must prepare presentation materials. It is recommended that participants take the Econometrics and Public Economics courses provided in the Faculty of Economics.
Textbooks	Textbooks/References	Not yet decided. Will be decided after consulting with the students.
References, etc.	西山慶彦・新谷元嗣・川口大司・奥井亮 『計量経済学』 (有斐閣; 2019年) [Yoshihiko Nishiyama, Mototsugu Shintani, Daiji Kawaguchi, and Ryo Okui, "Keiryo Keizaigaku (Econometrics)" (Yuhikaku; 2019)]; 林正義・小川光・別所俊一郎 『公共経済学』 (有斐閣アルマ; 2010年) [Masayoshi Hayashi, Hikaru Ogawa, Shunichiro Bessho, "Kokyo Keizaigaku (Public Economics)" (Yuhikaku Alma; 2010)]; Jean Hindriks and Gareth D. Myles "Intermediate Public Economics" (MIT Press; 2nd edition, 2013.