ECONOMICS OF CORRUPTION - 2023/4

Module Overview

The module explores the incidence of corruption from an economic perspective. It is based on the relevant academic literature and incorporates both microeconomic and macroeconomic approaches. Different aspects of corruption are examined, such as causes and consequences, and a deeper understanding around the topic is developed.

Module provider

Economics

Module Leader

ARSENIS Panagiotis (Economics)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicatively, content includes:

• Measuring corruption


• Causes of corruption


• Consequences of bureaucratic corruption: theory and evidence


• Consequences of political corruption


• Foreign bribery

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have understood the different dimensions of corruption and they are able to discuss its incidence from an economic point of view.

The summative assessment for this module consists of: A written assignment worth 35% of the final grade; a written assignment worth 65% of the final grade.

Both assessments require extensive research and challenge students to develop novel arguments and showcase their critical thinking.

Formative assessment and feedback

During class activities students have to opportunity to participate in discussions and receive feedback on their answers. Also, certain sessions include discussions about the module’s assessments and feedback is given in response to related queries. Finally, feedback is provided upon completion of the coursework which students can use to improve their performance in the second assignment.

Module aims

• Provide students with a conceptual and factual framework to facilitate a deeper understanding of the incidence of corruption. The module builds on foundational knowledge students gained in previous years in their programmes, and helps them develop transferable skills essential for graduate employability.
• Students' global and cultural capabilities are enhanced since the module explores corruption as a global phenomenon drawing on cases studies from different countries and regions. Also, the module's research-intensive approach allows students to demonstrate and further develop resourcefulness and resilience.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide an understanding of how corruption manifests itself and its causes and consequences through the prism of economics.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 11 × 2-hour lectures;


•  Class activities.

The lectures are explorations of different aspects of corruption where students are introduced to key concepts and arguments. Also, lectures work as a starting point upon which students build their understanding of corruption. Class activities are designed to stimulate students intellectually and help them develop their research skills.

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: ECO3054

Other information

The School of Economics is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Resourcefulness and resilience. Students undertake independent research to discuss a topic.

Global and cultural capabilities. The module’s contents include case studies from different countries which are discussed during lectures and class activities.

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 2023/4 academic year.