Household Sector Economics

Subject ECON90035 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours per week of seminars and class discussions
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours per semester
Prerequisites: ECON20002 Intermediate Microeconomics or equivalent
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Graduate School of Business and Economics
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Online Enquiries
Web: www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject provides and advanced course in theory and applied research on the economics of the household sector of the economy. Topics include: new theories of household economics, household demography, the diffusion of new household technology, the input-output structure of household production and leisure activities, national accounts of household production, and household time use and expenditure data.

Objectives: On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • Explain the role of households as producers;
  • Describe the structure, organisation and management of household production;
  • Explain the construction of satellite accounts of household production and the estimation of Gross Household Product (GHP);
  • Demonstrate the macroeconomic size of the household economy in countries at different stages of development;
  • Evaluate the theoretical basis of the "new" household economics and the factors influencing the choices between paid work, unpaid work and leisure;
  • Explain the roles of technology and demography in determining changes in household productive activities;
  • Apply household expenditure and time use data to model various explanations of household production and consumption.
Assessment:
  • An empirical assignment totalling no more than 3000 words (40%)
  • Final research essay of no more than 5000 words (60%)
Prescribed Texts: You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence
  • Critical thinking
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making
  • Accessing economic and other information
  • Summary and interpretation of information
  • Statistical reasoning
  • Written communication
  • Oral communication

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