CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ECONOMICS - 2021/2

Module Overview

The module introduces a set of topics that are part of the contemporary economic discourse. Students are given the opportunity to consider and discuss these topics, developing this way transferable communication and teamwork skills.

Module provider

Economics

Module Leader

ARSENIS Panagiotis (Economics)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

In the past the module covered topics like:

• income inequality;


• automation and employment;


• higher education;


• government intervention.

However, the module's syllabus is reviewed and updated regularly (typically, on an annual basis) to cover the latest UK and world economic challenges.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Coursework - written individual assessment, 1,000 word limit

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to research and formulate arguments on current economic issues.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• 
  Coursework: students will work in groups towards a video in which they will have to discuss a contemporary economic issue. The issue can be based on topics explored during the term, but this is not compulsory. The video's duration is between 2:30 and 3 minutes and it is due in week 9.
  


• 
  2-hour exam with two compulsory sections: section A with 2 multi-part questions based on given articles from news outlets; and section B with 2 multi-part questions based on the topics taught throughout the term.
  

Alternative Assessment (individual coursework): Answer 2 questions based on articles (related to the lectures’ topics) provided by the module leaders (1000-word limit). This alternative assessment is for resitting students or for students with extenuating circumstances whose assessment will be at a later date. 

Formative assessment and feedback

Formative assessment will be in part achieved through tutorial discussions where individual research and opinions will be discussed with the tutorial leader and other students. Also, students will receive feedback on coursework along with their marks.

Module aims

• illustrate how micro and macro economic principles can be applied to issues of contemporary importance for Europe and the UK as part of the global economy.  To consider key themes of efficiency, equity, scarcity and well-being.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• present some of the key issues facing the British and European economies;


• give students experience of reading about current economic issues;


• allow students to learn from colleagues in discussion.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 11 x 2-hour lectures.


• 5  x 1-hour tutorials. Discussion groups will be structured so that students take responsibility for leading the discussion on particular questions.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ECO1016

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.