This module applies economic theory and statistical methods to the understanding and critical assessment of economic policy. It focuses on the policy application of economic concepts and provides an introduction to material that may be studied in greater depth at Stage 3. A key aspect of this module is the relationship to contemporary policy issues.
The module introduces students to a variety of microeconomic policy issues. Alongside formal lectures, workshops and seminars are designed to develop academic research skills and the ability to communicate ideas both verbally and in writing. This focus provides opportunities to develop a range of highly transferable skills and to develop as autonomous learners.
Total contact hours: 25 hours
Private study hours: 125
Total study hours: 150
This module is optional on all single and joint honours degree programmes in Economics.
This module is not available to students across other degree programmes in the University.
Reflective Summary (800 words) (25%)
Moodle Quiz (30 minutes) (25%)
Extended Essay (3000 words) (50%)
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
N Barr (2012), The Economics of the Welfare State, 5th edition, Oxford University Press
S Connolly and A Munro (1999), Economics of the Public Sector, Prentice Hall
Periodicals frequently used are Oxford Review of Economic Policy and Fiscal Studies.
Additional reading takes the form of Government publications and those of independent research centres such as IFS, NIESR, Joseph Rowntree etc.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
• Understand the role of government intervention in modern economies including its motivation, targeting and consequences
• Understand the concepts and frameworks used by economists to appraise policy
• Identify and understand the issues confronted in policy design
• Critically analyse economic policy debates conducted in the media and by politicians
• Conduct evaluations of actual economic policies
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