Students
ECON853 – Economics of Public Issues
2019 – S2 Evening
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer and Unit Convenor
Marjan Nazifi
Contact via fatemeh.nazifi@mq.edu.au
4ER249
Consultation hours: see iLearn page
Lecturer
Professor David Throsby
Contact via david.throsby@mq.edu.au
4ER438
Consultation hours: see ilearn page
Lecturer
Rohan Best
Contact via rohan.best@mq.edu.au
4ER451
Consultation hours: see iLearn page
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
((ECON632 or ECON633 or ECON649) and 16cp at 800 level or above) or (16cp at 800 level or above including POL802 or SOC810)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers selected topic areas with an emphasis on the application of economic theory and research methods to particular public issues, including education, environment, energy policy, tourism, defence, housing, drugs, privatisation, transport, and the arts.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key economic ideas and how they apply to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- Demonstrate ability to integrate and synthesise learning in order to critically reflect upon complex economic issues and evaluate established knowledge
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Project | 40% | No | Week 13 |
| Major Class Presentation | 20% | No | Week 13 |
| Individual Assignment | 40% | No | Week 12 |
Major Project
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
This Major Project involves a team based written report with two parts.
Part 1. Written report will be up to 2000 words in length and is worth 20% of the overall grade in the unit (20 marks out of 40 for this task). The question for this project will be based on the lectures delivered by Professor David Throsby.
Team work will be an important part of your experience in ECON853. In week one each student will be placed in a group. Each group will work throughout the session to produce a written 2,000 word report on a chosen topic. The report will be produced in a staged process over the course of the session with regular feedback provided by academic staff. The final report needs to be submitted via Turnitin. Information about this task will be presented in lecture one. A detailed document about this task will be available on iLearn.
The emphasis in the Major Project will be on the ability to think critically, to evaluate established knowledge, and to integrate and analyse the advanced economic ideas encountered during the degree program. Attendance at lecturers is required for you to be able to complete this task successfully. By attending all lectures, and doing the associated readings, you will equip yourself to undertake this task successfully.
If students encounter any problems in relation to this task they are encouraged to speak to Dr Marjan Nazifi as soon as possible.
Part 2. Individual reflection. Each student is required to produce an individual reflection addressing specific aspects of the teamwork aspect of producing the team report. This is submitted via Turnitin. More detail will be provided in lecture 1 and a detailed document will be placed on iLearn. This task will contribute 20% of the overall grade in the unit (20 marks out of the 40 for this task).
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key economic ideas and how they apply to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- Demonstrate ability to integrate and synthesise learning in order to critically reflect upon complex economic issues and evaluate established knowledge
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team
Major Class Presentation
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
In week 13 each group will make a presentation to the class that summarises the main findings from the Major Project. Each individual member of the group must contribute equally to the presentation and each individual will receive an individual mark for their contribution (20 marks). More information about the presentation will be provided in lecture one. This will include instruction on how to make a good presentation. A detailed document about this task will be available on iLearn. There will be a trial run for this presentation in class in week 12.
No extensions will be granted. Students who are not available to complete the task at the designated time will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which a formal application for Special Consideration is made (via http://www.ask.mq.edu.au/) and approved. If that application for Special Consideration is approved you will be expected to undertake an alternative assessment task, this might involve an oral or written assessment task. If students encounter any problems in relation to this task they should contact Marjan Nazifi straight away.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team
Individual Assignment
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
An individual written assignment represents 40% of the overall mark in the unit.
This assignment will be based on the lectures delivered by Dr Rohan Best.
This Individual Assignment will give you the opportunity to problem solve, integrate and synthesise knowledge obtained across the economics program, evaluate established knowledge, deploy appropriate ethical frameworks when required, undertake research and communicate on policy issues. Attendance at all lectures is essential to be able to complete this task successfully. By attending the lectures and doing the associated readings you will equip yourself with the ability to undertake this assignment successfully. A separate document for individual assignment will outline in detail what is required. This document will be made available on iLearn. The Individual Assignment is submitted via Turnitin.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key economic ideas and how they apply to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
- Demonstrate ability to integrate and synthesise learning in order to critically reflect upon complex economic issues and evaluate established knowledge
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Delivery and Resources
Learning and Teaching Strategy
The unit operates with a three hour weekly lecture. In addition readings are set for each lecture and it is in your interest to read these. There is no set textbook in the unit.
Unit Schedule
| Lecture 1 July 30 | Marjan Nazifi | Introduction to ECON853. | ||
| Lecture 2 Aug 6 | David Throsby | Economics of education and economic aspects of international foreign student flows | ||
| Lecture 3 Aug 13 | David Throsby | Environmental and ecological economics | ||
| Lecture 4 Aug 20 | David Throsby | Sustainable development and climate change | ||
| Lecture 5 Aug 27 | David Throsby | Arts industries and the creative economy | ||
| Lecture 6 Sep 3 | David Throsby | The economics of cultural heritage | ||
| Lecture 7 Sep 10 | David Throsby | The economics of tourism | ||
|
Recess Sep 17 and Sep 24.
|
||||
| Lecture 8 Oct 1 |
Rohan Best |
Environmental policies 1: general overview | ||
| Lecture 9 Oct 8
|
Rohan Best | Environmental policies 2: carbon pricing | ||
| Lecture 10 Oct 15 | Rohan Best | Optimal taxation: consumption vs. income taxes | ||
| Lecture 11 Oct 22 | Rohan Best | Public sector role in economic growth and development | ||
| Lecture 12 Oct 29 | Marjan Nazifi |
Trial run for major presentation |
Individual assignment due.
|
|
| Lecture 13 Nov 5 | Marjan Nazifi | Major presentation |
Major project and presentation due November 5. Individual team work reflection due November 12 |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key economic ideas and how they apply to the problems faced by economic decision makers.
Assessment tasks
- Major Project
- Individual Assignment
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate ability to integrate and synthesise learning in order to critically reflect upon complex economic issues and evaluate established knowledge
Assessment tasks
- Major Project
- Individual Assignment
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team
Assessment tasks
- Major Project
- Major Class Presentation
- Individual Assignment
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical dimension of business practice.
Assessment tasks
- Major Project
- Individual Assignment
Changes from Previous Offering
No significant change from previous offering in 2017..