Economics 381
This module does not form part of Economics taken as a major subject. The role of the state in market economies is an important and controversial issue and is the topic here. The module has three parts, namely Institutional Economics, Public Economics, and Environmental Economics:
- Economic research is showing increasingly that economic behaviour is determined largely by institutions (the extent to which the justice system protects property rights, for example, has a major impact on the extent and type of investment in an economy). Institutional Economics studies various formal institutions (e.g. laws, policy rules and contracts) and informal institutions (e.g. norms and habits) and their effects on economic behaviour and development.
- Public Economics studies the various forms of market failure that provide theoretical justification for government intervention in market economies, as well the phenomenon of government failure and its implications for such intervention. This subject also provides detailed analysis of the economic effects of financing government activity by means of taxes and government borrowing.
- Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important for economic policymakers. Environmental Economics provides economic explanations for environmental degradation. It also studies policy measures to achieve more sustainable economic development by combating the incidence of such degradation.
Continuous assessment
Prerequisite modules (P): Economics 214, Economics 244 OR Prerequisite Pass modules (PP): Economics 281
Credits: 24
Classes per week: 2 lectures, 2 tutorials
Module convenor (Semester 1): Prof Sophia du Plessis
Module convenor (Semester 1): Dr FK Siebrits
Work programme: Institutional Economics
Work programme: Public Economics (3rd term)
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Upcoming Seminars
Monday 28 July 202512:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
12:00-13:00
Prof Derek Yu: University Of The Western Cape
Topic: "Examining the teaching, assessment and research activities of the South African Economics Departments"
BER Weekly
13 Jun 2025 Another global flashpoint ignites as Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilitiesThe story for the week was initially relatively positive, with the overarching narrative being that the US and China agreed on a trade truce. However, overnight, Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, military sites and killed senior commanders in dozens of strikes. While Israel has attacked Iran before, this is the first time nuclear facilities were...
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 28 July 202512:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
12:00-13:00
Prof Derek Yu: University Of The Western Cape
Topic: "Examining the teaching, assessment and research activities of the South African Economics Departments"
BER Weekly
13 Jun 2025 Another global flashpoint ignites as Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilitiesThe story for the week was initially relatively positive, with the overarching narrative being that the US and China agreed on a trade truce. However, overnight, Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities, military sites and killed senior commanders in dozens of strikes. While Israel has attacked Iran before, this is the first time nuclear facilities were...
Read the full issue