ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ECONOMIC POLICY
Code ECON330
Coordinator Dr J Tena Horrillo
Economics
J.Tena-Horrillo@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   12

      24

12

48
Timetable (if known)           120 mins X 1 totaling 24
 
 
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2: online assessment Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 72 Hours [expectation 2 hour completion time] Weighting: 70% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submiss  72 Hours [expectatio    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1: Case study Assessment Type: Coursework Size: 2500 words Weighting: 30% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymous As  -2500 words    30       

Aims

This module aims to give students a factual and theoretical basis to understand and critically evaluate possible responses to the key contemporary challenges faced by policy makers in the United Kingdom.
The module seeks to enable students to apply theoretical economic concepts to real problems in the areas of social housing, health, education, transport and environment. The module also covers the present and future challenges presented by Brexit and the recent financial crisis to policy makers.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to identify and explain policy responses to contemporary challenges.

(LO2) Students will be able to understand the fundamental principles and concepts of economics and their application and relevance in the context of contemporary challenges like the financial crisis, Brexit, environmental and transport policy and in key areas of public provision such as health, education and housing.

(LO3) Students will be able to explain economic concepts such as quasi-markets and market failures and their application in relevant areas.

(LO4) Students will be able to conduct independent research using relevant secondary sources including economic data.

(LO5) Students will be able to critically evaluate the issues covered in the module in a clear international context.

(LO6) Students will be able to develop a critical awareness of the ethical dilemmas and ethical issues involved in the policy responses to the contemporary challenges covered in the module.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) IT skills

(S4) International awareness


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Delivery: Mixed, hybrid delivery with social distancing on campus.

Teaching Method: Online Asynchronous Learning Materials
Description: weekly recorded content designed to give essential information and introduce students to topics, relevant theories and tools of analysis
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method: Seminar
Description: Seminar & office hours
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 12
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Seminars and office hours will discuss specific questions that should be considered in the assessments. These seminars will include a combination of structured exercises, discussion and analysis of current articles in the financial press and other questions.

Teaching Methods: Group Study
Scheduled Student Hours: 12
Attendance Recorded: No

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 102
Description: These independent learning hours are a imed at supporting the directed student learning. The module leader will provide guidance in the form of suggested readings and topics to examine with the expectation that students are well prepared to contribute to the tutorial activities and to understand the content of lectures. Self-Directed Learning will include research activity, developing academic writing skills, and wider reading to support the module

Non-modular Requirements
ECON221 and ECON222 or ECON227. Students could also take equivalent intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics modules

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Problem solving skills
How this is developed: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Case study and Examination

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Case study and Examination

Skills / attributes: IT skills
How this is d eveloped: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Case study and Examination

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Case study and Examination


Syllabus

 

Challenges for fiscal policy;
Challenges for monetary policy;  
Critically evaluate the origins, development and consequences of the recent financial crisis;  
Critically evaluate the relationship between the UK and the EU;  
Health economics;
Environmental policy;  
Economics of education.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.