Course Paper Overview
Each student will complete a comprehensive final paper that critically applies the full range of course concepts to one selected topic.
The paper must demonstrate the student’s ability to synthesize theories of public and nonprofit economics, apply cost-benefit analysis, evaluate fiscal impacts, and propose informed recommendations.
- Topic Choices: Efficiency and Equity in Public Goods Provision: Evaluate a real-world example of how governments balance efficiency and fairness.
Paper Requirements
- Length: 10–12 pages (excluding title page, abstract, references, and appendices)
- Format: APA 7th Edition
- Required Sections:
- Title Page
- Abstract (150–250 words)
- Introduction (overview of selected topic)
- Literature Review (at least 5 scholarly sources)
- Application of Course Concepts:
- Public Sector Size and Scope
- Market Efficiency or Failure
- Welfare Economics (Equity vs. Efficiency Trade-offs)
- Cost-Benefit Analysis Techniques
- Taxation or Fiscal Policy Impacts
- Budget Example:
- Create or critique a real or hypothetical small-scale budget (related to your topic)
- Discuss assumptions, revenue, expenditures, and efficiency
- Policy Recommendations and Conclusion
- References (APA formatted)
Detailed Expectations
- Course Concepts Application:
- Explicitly incorporate and apply concepts from key textbook chapters and lectures into your analysis.
- Literature Review:
- Summarize and critique at least five (5) peer-reviewed articles, scholarly books, or government publications.
- Budget Example:
- Include a clear, simple budget related to your chosen topic. (e.g., a projected government program cost analysis, a nonprofit operating budget, a tax revenue forecast, etc.)
- Recommendations:
- Based on your analysis, propose specific, feasible policy actions or improvements.
- Formatting:
- Double-spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- 1-inch margins
- APA headings and subheadings
Grading Rubric Overview (out of 100 points)
Category
Points
Critical Application of Course Concepts
30
Literature Review Quality
20
Budget Example and Analysis
20
Organization, Structure, and APA Formatting
15
Writing Quality (grammar, clarity, critical thinking)
15