Seminar in Economics and Commerce A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

316-102 Introductory Microeconomics

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Classical Political Economy and Economic Liberalism

The focus of the subject will be on Classical Political Economy and the inter-play of political and economic ideas. The central figures of this school, Adam Smith, Thomas Robert Malthus, David Ricardo, and Karl Marx, are studied with the purpose of uncovering these ideas and assessing their relevance for the modern world. Particular emphasis is placed on relating the methods, concepts, and conclusions of the classical economists to those of modern mainstream economic theory and contemporary views on the role of the State in economic affairs. Students will be expected to read original works as well as secondary literature.

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (50%) and assignments, essay and seminar presentations totalling not more than 5000 words (50%).

Prescribed Texts:

Todd G. Buchholz and Martin Feldstein, New Ideas From Dead Economists, Penguin/Plume, 1999 OR Robert Heilbroner, The Worldly Philosophers, Touchstone, 1999.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• High level of development: oral communication; written communication; problem solving; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

• Moderate level of development: collaborative learning; team work.

• Some level of development: statistical reasoning; application of theory to practice; sysnthesis of data and other information; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

This subject is available to high achieving students who have completed no more than one semester of study at the University of Melbourne and a total of no more than 50 level-1 points. Selection is based on the grade average achieved across these 50 points of study at the University of Melbourne. Students who achieve an H1 average in these 50 points will be guaranteed a place. Students need to apply on line. Please note strict deadlines apply; contact the Faculty for further information.