ECONOMICS OF CORRUPTION - 2023/4

Module code: ECO3054

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

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 66

Lecture Hours: 22

Guided Learning: 40

Captured Content: 22

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

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Written assignment 1 35
Coursework Written assignment 2 65

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:


  • written assignment 1

  • written assignment 2



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

Attributes Developed
001 Students will be able to understand the mechanics of corruption. KC
002 Students will be able to explain the the application of known economic concepts to a specific research field. KC
003 Student will be able to critically evaluate the field's academic literature and develop their own arguments. CPT
004 Students will be able to carry out independent research and write up their findings. CPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

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:


  •  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

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Politics and Economics BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Economics and Finance BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Business Economics BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Economics BSc (Hons) 2 Optional A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

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.