Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To equip the learner with framing skills for modelling the economy; and to develop learners' problem solving abilities in the context of both macroeconomics and microeconomics.

This is a core second-year module in economic analysis. It is a pre-requisite for several final-year modules in Economics, and complements the learning undertaken in ECO2004 and ECO2005 (Microeconomic Analysis and Macroeconomic Analysis). A structured series of core economic models are introduced to the learners, familiarising them with modelling techniques and the intellectual demands of constructing economic models with which to analyse the economy. The syllabus includes frameworks typical of intermediate level economics: for example, students develop skills in constructing and using the IS-LM framework for analysing the closed economy in the short run; and using micro-models to analyse situations in which economic agents both produce and consume, such as the general equilibrium model.

A key emphasis is placed on understanding the relevance of different frameworks/models for different contexts. The material builds on economic principles typically covered at Stage 1 but it demands a much higher degree of conceptualisation, a greater reliance on analysis and use of mathematical training undertaken in prior studies.

It is a core module, as it covers economic techniques that are essential to modern economic analysis at Stage 3 of economics programmes.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO MODELLING THE WHOLE ECONOMY

A basic classical model of national income
The distribution of national income to the households
How fiscal policy influences the allocation of resources between consumption, investment and government purchases.

2. THE ECONOMY IN THE LONG RUN

Modelling economic growth
Modelling inflation

3. THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT RUN

The IS-LM AS-AD model

4. THE OPEN ECONOMY

Net exports, capital flows and exchange rates in the long run
The Mundell Fleming model of business cycles

5. PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Robinson-Crusoe economy.
Robinson-Crusoe and Man Friday economy.
The Edgeworth-Bowley box and the production possibility curve.
Application to international trade.
Application to inter-temporal choice.

6. GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM THEORY

Model set-up: the 2 x 2 x 2 model and the Walrasian general equilibrium.
General equilibrium: diagrammatic treatment.
Properties of equilibrium: Walras Law, and existence, uniqueness and stability of equilibrium.

7. WELFARE ECONOMICS

Value judgements, inter-personal utility comparisons and ethical judgements
The Pareto criteria: Pareto improvements and efficiency.
Welfare maximization.
Fundamental theorems of welfare economics.
Criticisms of Pareto: alternative welfare systems, utilitarianism and Rawls.
Market failure.

8. MARKET FAILURE

Introduction, market failure and the nature of government intervention.
Pure public goods, and possible solutions
Externalities, the Coase theorem and other solutions.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Select, construct and apply appropriate economic models for specific topic areas.
In particular students identify appropriate frameworks for the analysis of particular contexts and undertake economic analysis using relevant frameworks.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- to develop framing skills for modelling the economy
- to develop problem-solving skills within the context of modelling the economy
- to develop writing and communication skills through participation in seminars

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide a structured, in-depth guide to the course material and help learners develop their understanding of economic modelling. They will provide the structure through which learners develop familiarity with and understanding of a range of economic models.

Seminars facilitate small group interaction with peers and the seminar leader to reinforce learning: seminar worksheets structure the student learning activity prior, during and after each seminar. The seminars will support learners to construct and use appropriate frameworks (models) for the analysis of particular contexts.

Drop-in/Surgery to provide a forum for consolidation of understanding and deal with specific problems experienced by students.

Private study facilitates review and understanding of lecture material and problem sets.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examinations at the end of Semester 1 and 2 are designed to encourage study and test understanding across a range of fundamentals for constructing economic models and to give students opportunity to demonstrate their depth of understanding of particular economic modelling framework.

General Notes

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