Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module ECON3051: HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT

Department: Economics

ECON3051: HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to L100
Tied to L106
Tied to L109
Tied to L103
Tied to L104
Tied to L105
Tied to LL12
Tied to LL02
Tied to LL01
Tied to VL52
Tied to VLL6
Tied to VLLA
Tied to CFG0
Tied to CFC0
Tied to FGC0
Tied to CFG1
Tied to CFC1
Tied to FGC1
Tied to CFG2
Tied to CFC2
Tied to LA01
Tied to LA02
Tied to LA03
Tied to LMVA
Tied to LMV0
Tied to LMVP

Prerequisites

  • Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop knowledge of the schools of thought in the history of economic thought, and to examine the methodological criteria by which analytical or scientific advances in the discipline may be determined. The module also provides students with the opportunity to draw on recent research. This module builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Level 2 core modules.

Content

  • The module focuses on topics as value, prices, distribution, money, trade, economic growth, and public finance as well as economic policy issues.
  • The module deals with the writing of particular individual economists.
  • The module concludes with a discussion of theories of the history of science and their applications to economics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • understanding the historical development of analytical techniques in economics
Subject-specific Skills:
  • using the history of ideas as an essential part of economic reasoning
Key Skills:
  • Reasoning abilities
  • Skills in assessing alternative ideas, and the criteria used in accepting or rejecting economic arguments, theories, or theoretical systems
  • Mathematical skills will be enhanced by examination of the gradual refinement of mathematical techniques in economics.
  • Students' skills in writing and presenting their economic knowledge

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

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of one piece of written work. Summative assessment is by means of an in-person written examination and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 1 per week 1 hour 22
Seminars 8 4 in term 1, 4 in term 2 1 hour 8 ■
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One in-person written examination 2 hours 100% Same
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written assignment 2500 words max 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

One piece of written work.

■ 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