EC111-Economic Policy and Social Problems

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr James Reade

Email: j.j.reade@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will help students to understand the ways in which economic thinking can be applied to a variety of social issues.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to demonstrate to economics and non-economics students how economic frameworks can be used for the analysis of social problems in the contemporary world. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how economic concepts, approaches and models (beyond the mathematical modelling developed in other modules) inform a range of issues. The module will provide students with an insight into the variety of models and approaches used by economists.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of economics, the variety of  approaches economists use, and how these can be applied to analyse a range of issues facing society.

Additional outcomes:

Ability to contribute to contemporary debates in a structured and consistent way and to distinguish the key elements to be modelled from others that might not be relevant.

Outline content:

The module is taught by several economists from the Department who will use examples from their own research to outline how they have thought through a particular issue from an economic perspective, as well as how they have used and integrated insights from other sciences and perspectives.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures will be used for the presentation of the concepts, analytical principles, and the methodology. Students are expected to follow media coverage of contemporary social problems and public policies. Coursework is set to develop analytical and critical skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Guided independent study:		90
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Report	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be one essay assignment and one report.  Each of these will count for 50% of the final mark. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment of Part 1 modules takes place in August of the same year.

Re-assessment will be on the basis of further coursework related to the topics covered in the module. This will not be a re-submission of earlier assignments.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.

Last updated: 10 December 2019