Module: Public Choice

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Public Choice
Module Code	ENI1015 (ITS: EF325)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Public choice applies the tools of economic analysis to problems of political science. For example, why and how do people vote? How do politicians arrive at their policies? What are the effects of corruption and what can we do to fight it? This course will cover some of the fundamental areas of interest for Public Choice and the successes and failures of the public choice view of the world. Students are expected to complete some readings each week and participate actively in class.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply rational choice models to political institutions and processes to clarify their mechanisms
2. Apply theoretical models, ideas and arguments to actual political events and outcomes
3. Critique the rational agent approach of public choice theories in light of its applicability in various contexts
4. Identify some of the limitations of a given piece of research
5. Communicate the value of academic research as a guide to policymaking

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	15	Watching Weekly Briefing Videos and Attending and Participating in Live Class Discussion
Assignment Completion	60	Weekly Readings and preparation of reports
Assignment Completion	50	Midterm and final Papers
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21124	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Gillanders	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Corruption

Voting

Policy and Incentives

Decentralization

Bureaucracy

The Value of Connections

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Reading List of Academic Papers: 0, See Loop,
Mueller,D.C: 0, Public Choice,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None