Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)
Module ECON1031: THE BRITISH ECONOMY
Department: ECONOMICS FINANCE AND BUSINESS (ECONOMICS AND FINANCE)
ECON1031: THE BRITISH ECONOMY
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2006/07 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- The aim of the module is to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of basic principles of the working of the British Economy, while providing them with opportunities to practise and develop a range of key skills.
Content
- Basic ideas, key dimensions and trends in the British economy.
- Economic institutions: firms and industries, households.
- Product markets, factor markets: capital, the environment and natural resources, and human resources.
- The government and the rest of the world.
- Overall view of economic performance, policy and prospects.
- Guest lecturers from industry and government are occasionally used to give students insight into the actual working of the British Economy.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Understanding of basic principles of the operation of the British Economy, including knowledge of its key components
- Understanding of some explanations for why elements of the economy function in the way that they do
Subject-specific Skills:
- the ability to analyse aspects of the performance of the economy and to evaluate alternative explanations of this performance
- the ability to suggest ways in which the performance of the economy might be influenced by policy
Key Skills:
- Written Communication - e.g. through summative assessment.
- Planning, Organisation and Time Management - e.g. by preparing for the written examination
- Problem Solving and Analysis - e.g. by exercising critical thinking in applying relevant theory and economic data to the analysis of problems and issues encountered in the summative assignment
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 (including student-centred learning). Formative assessment is by means of one group presentation and one 1500 word essay. Summative assessment is by means of an unseen written examination of 2.25 hours’ duration to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 41 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 41 | |
| Tutorials | 9 | 1 every 2 weeks | 1 hour | 9 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 150 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| 2.25 hour written examination | 100% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Contribution to 1 Group Presentation, 1 essay of 1500 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