Public finance WSE-ZP-FP
Public finance is a crucial field of economic sciences that focuses on the study and management of finances in the public sector. It covers a wide range of issues related to budget revenues and expenditures, fiscal policy, and the impact of these elements on the overall economic condition. In this course, students analyze various sources of public revenue, such as taxes, fees, grants, and other forms of financing for the activities of the state and local governments.
An important aspect of public finance is also the management of expenditures, which should be efficient and in line with the principles of social equity. Participants in the course learn about the mechanisms of budget planning, expenditure control, and the assessment of their effects. Additionally, issues related to public debt, its causes, and consequences for the economy are discussed.
Students gain knowledge about the role of financial institutions, such as central banks and treasury offices, in shaping fiscal policy. International aspects of public finance are also analyzed, including the impact of globalization on budgetary policy. Knowledge in the field of public finance is essential for understanding decision-making processes in economic policy and assessing the effects of government actions, making this subject a vital component of economic education.
(in Polish) E-Learning
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
a) Knowledge:
The student knows the basic concepts and definitions related to public finance, such as budget, public debt, taxes, public expenditures, and fiscal policy.
The student understands the principles of the functioning of the public finance system in Poland and selected countries.
The student can identify sources of public revenue and types of public expenditures.
The student is familiar with basic theories and models related to fiscal policy and their practical applications.
The student understands the role of financial institutions, such as central banks and treasury offices, in shaping fiscal policy.
b) Skills:
The student can analyze and evaluate financial and statistical data related to public finance.
The student is able to plan a public budget, taking into account the principles of efficiency and social equity.
The student can assess the impact of fiscal policy on the economy, including economic growth and social inequalities.
The student can apply analytical tools to evaluate the effects of government actions in the area of public finance.
The student can formulate recommendations regarding public policy in the field of finance.
c) Social Competencies:
The student develops critical thinking and problem analysis skills related to public finance.
The student can collaborate in a group, sharing knowledge and experience in the field of public finance.
The student demonstrates a sense of responsibility for financial decisions made in a social and economic context.
The student can communicate clearly and understandably, presenting the results of financial analyses and recommendations.
The student develops decision-making skills in situations requiring consideration of various social and economic interests.
Assessment criteria
Preparation of a PPT presentation on public finance and its presentation in class (teams of 2; 15-30 slides): 60%
Grading scale:
100%-90% – very good (5.0)
89%-75% – good (4.0)
74%-61% – satisfactory (3.0)
60%-0% – unsatisfactory (2.0)
Bibliography
S. Owsiak, Finanse publiczne, PWN, Warszawa 2017
K. Raczkowski, F. Schneider, J. Węgrzyn, Ekonomia systemu podatkowego, PWN, Warszawa 2020
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: