EC131-Thinking Like an Economist

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr James Reade

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

What does it mean to think like an economist? This module will introduce students to some of the core principles in thinking like an economist and explore how these can be applied to analyse a wide range of issues.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to demonstrate to economics and non-economics students how economic frameworks can be used to analyse a range of contemporary issues. 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:

(1) explain the core concepts and principles of economics;

(2) explain the different approaches within economics;

(3) apply these concepts and approaches to analyse various contemporary issues.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have the opportunity to develop their ability to contribute to contemporary debates in a structured and consistent way, and to develop their written communication skills.

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 to introduce the concepts, analytical principles and methodological approaches. Students are expected to prepare for lectures by doing the recommended reading. Coursework will help develop analytical and critical skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	40
Essay preparation	40
Reflection	10
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Report	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no final examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework will involve one written assignment, worth 40% of the module mark, and one report, worth 60% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor 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):

Last updated: 4 April 2020