EC990: Topics in Applied Macroeconomics

Introduction

The module will provide students with the ability to discuss, critically evaluate and recommend policy options in various areas of macroeconomics.

Principal Aims

The ability to apply rigorous economic analysis to real-world problems continues to be a key skill valued by employers and students. This module aims to highlight the application of economic principles (and some empirical techniques) covered in the core MSc modules to macroeconomic policy issues. Topical and perennial policy issues will be covered from theoretical, empirical and practical points of view. The module aims to equip students to analyse and discuss important policy issues with the benefit of a rigorous foundation and deep knowledge, and for possible future work in policy-related areas.

Principal Learning Outcomes

Subject knowledge and understanding:...have a good overview of policy issues and solutions in the broad area of macroeconomics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome: the lectures will give an overview of important topics in macroeconomic policy. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: assignment, final exam.

Subject knowledge and understanding:...discuss policy options in a variety of areas with understanding of the underlying principles, their practical problems and consequences. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome: the lectures will cover a variety of policy topics, explaining and critically evaluating policy options. In all cases theoretical argument, empirical evidence, and elements of political economy will be discussed and used to evaluate possible policies. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: assignment, final exam.

Cognitive skills:...critically evaluate existing work, including journal articles, policy documents, and media reports, on macroeconomic policy topics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome: the lectures will encourage discussion and evaluation of strengths and weaknesses of academic, policymaker and journalist policy-related work. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: assignment, final exam.

Syllabus

Context

Optional Module

L1P6 - Year 1, L1P7 - Year 1, L1I1 - Year 1

Assessment

Assessment Method

Coursework (50%) + In-person Examination (50%)

Coursework Details

Assignment 1 (25%) , Assignment 2 (25%) , In-person Examination (50%)

Exam Timing

May

Exam Rubric

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 the ONE question in Section A (50 marks) and the ONE question in Section B (50 marks).

Answer each whole question in a separate booklet.

Approved scientific (non-graphical) pocket calculators are allowed.

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.

Reading Lists