Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module ECON2091: ECONOMICS OF SOCIAL POLICY

Department: ECONOMICS FINANCE AND BUSINESS (ECONOMICS AND FINANCE)

ECON2091: ECONOMICS OF SOCIAL POLICY

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Elements of Economics (ECON1011) (Durham) OR Introduction to Economics (ECOS1031) (Queen's Campus, Stockton).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop students' awareness and understanding of the contribution which economic analysis can make to discussions of issues in social policy, with particular reference to education, health and crime.
  • The module also provides an opportunity for students to practice their written and presentational skills.

Content

  • Lecture topics: Introduction, Market Intervention, Resource Allocation, The Valuation of Non-Marketed Goods and Services, Equity, Extenalities, and Cost-Benefit Analysis.
  • Accompanying seminars will enable students to apply the theoretical analysis presented in lectures to the areas of education, health and crime.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Market failure and government limitation to combat this market failure
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Use of microeconomic theory to address economic policy crime
Key Skills:
  • Written communication - summative assessment is a written examination
  • Planning and Organisation and time management - students plan their work to meet set deadlines
  • Adaptability - students perform under the pressure of written examinations

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures, tutorials and support for student-centred learning. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes and private study (inlcuding student-centred learning). Formative assessment is by means of one seminar paper. Summative assessment is by means of an unseen written examination of two and a quarter hours duration.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 19 1 per week 1 hour 19
Tutorials 8 1 every 2 weeks 1 hour 8
Preparation and Reading 173
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
one two-and-a-quarter-hour written examination 100%

Formative Assessment:

One seminar paper of 2500 words

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University