pt. 1: Perspectives on the role of government in the economy -- 1. The public sector in the economy -- 2. Benchmark model of the economy: Positive and normative approaches -- 3. Public goods and externalities -- 4. Imperfect competition -- 5. Equity and social welfare -- 6. Public choice theory -- pt. 2: Public expenditure -- 7. Public expenditure and growth -- 8. Cost benefit analysis -- pt. 3: Taxation -- 9. Introduction to taxation and tax equity -- 10. Tax efficiency and tax reform -- 11. Income taxation -- 12. Taxation of wealth -- 13. Taxes on goods and services -- pt. 4: Fiscal and social policy -- 14. Poverty and inequality in South Africa: Fiscal and social policy issues -- 15. Fiscal policy -- 16. Public debt and debt management -- pt. 5: Intergovernmental fiscal relations -- 17. Fiscal federalism.