EC340: Topics in Applied Economics (3a)
Principal Aims
This module introduces students to the current practice of applied economics. Through a combination of theory, empirics, and policy discussions, students will become familiar with recent academic debates around various topics such as poverty, gender, and climate change. In particular, we will consider key theories that inspire empirical work in applied economics and analyse in depth the empirical strategies that have been used to test them. Furthermore, we will focus on how to draw policy implications based on the evidence produced.
Principal Learning Outcomes
Understand selected models in applied economics (e.g. poverty traps, statistical discrimination), their assumptions and testable predictions.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of empirical methods for the identification of causality that are popular in applied economics. This includes both experimental and observational methods.
Use economic reasoning and evidence to analyse policies and interventions related to considered topics.
Develop communication and presentation skills
Syllabus
The module covers several topics in applied economics. For each topic, the module provides an introduction to related theoretical concepts and models, a description of empirical strategies typically used for testing theories, a summary of existent evidence, and examples of studies analysing policy interventions.
Context
- Optional Module
- L100 - Year 3, L103 - Year 4, L116 - Year 3, L117 - Year 4, LM1D (LLD2) - Year 3, LM1H - Year 4, V7ML - Year 3, V7MM - Year 4, V7MP - Year 3, V7MR - Year 3, GL11 - Year 3, GL12 - Year 4, L1P5 - Year 1, L1PA - Year 1, LA99 - Year 3, R9L1 - Year 4, R3L4 - Year 4, R4L1 - Year 4, R2L4 - Year 4, R1L4 - Year 4, L1L8 - Year 3
- Pre or Co-requisites
- Modules: (EC201-30 and EC202-30 and EC203-30) and (EC201-30 and EC202-30 and EC226-30) and (EC204-30 and EC203-30) and (EC204-30 and EC226-30)
Assessment
- Assessment Method
- Coursework (15%) + Online Examination - Summer (85%)
- Coursework Details
- In Class Participation (5%) , Mini-presentation (10%) , Online Examination
- Exam Timing
- Summer
Exam Rubric
Time allowed: 2 hours
Read all instructions carefully – and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answers.
There are TWO sections in this paper. Answer ALL FOUR questions from Section A (40 marks total) and ONE of TWO questions from Section B (60 marks).
Approved pocket calculators are allowed.
You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.
Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.