Seminar Public Finance (MW23.4) - Summer Term 2026

Topics in Public Economics: Impact Evaluation

Content

In this seminar, we review the literature on current issues in public economics with a particular emphasis on migration, economic inequality, pension systems, and tax compliance. The methodological focus is on impact evaluation, including the use of experimental methods and the analysis of policy changes. Central to the seminar is the study of these topics through causal analysis. Identifying causal relationships allows researchers to provide credible, evidence-based advice to policymakers on key economic policy questions. Students will learn to critically discuss the application of empirical methods to policy issues. The seminar focuses on writing a detailed seminar paper that explains the empirical methodology, interprets the research results, and derives policy implications.

Requirements

You will have to read and understand original empirical research papers as part of this course. We therefore recommend taking "Empirical Methods" (MW24.1) before this seminar.

Important Remarks

The Chair of Public Finance follows a zero-tolerance policy with respect to plagiarism. In previous seminars, up to 20% of the students failed because of plagiarism in their seminar papers. Please read again carefully the slides about plagiarism and conduct the test on "How to Cite/ How to Avoid Plagiarism" available in the Moodle-course "Approaches to Economic Science" ("WS2024-Approaches"). (If you do not have access to this Moodle-course, contact Elisa Stumpf.)

Guidelines

For guidelines and regulations, see here

Topics

To submit your topic preferences and review the slides after the information event on 5 February 2026, please go to Moodle Uni JenaExternal link("Seminar Public Finance (MW23.4) - Summer Term 2026").  You will also find further information and materials on the seminar there.