Economics of Food Markets

Subject ECON30007 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment:

Not available

Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

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

Coordinator

Prof Donald Maclaren

Contact

d.maclaren@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Topics include the reasons for, and analysis of, government intervention in the agri-food sector; the policy objectives and instruments of government intervention in selected countries; international trade, agricultural protectionism and the World Trade Organization; food safety; and world food security.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • explain the reasons for government intervention in the agri-food sectors of several countries, including Australia, and identify the policy objectives being pursued;
  • critically analyse the economic effects, including the trade and welfare effects, of the policy instruments employed;
  • synthesise the current policy issues in the agri-food sectors of the world economy including the newer issues such as trade and the volatility of food prices, and trade and food safety.
  • critically analyse the issue of world food security;
  • explain the position of agriculture in the WTO; and critically appraise the current proposals under negotiation in the WTO.
Assessment:
  • A 2-hour written examination; end of semester, 60%;
  • a mid-semester test; in week 6, 20%;
  • an assignment totalling not more than 2000 words, due in week 9, 20%.
Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • High level of development: written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; critical thinking.

  • Moderate level of development: collaborative learning; team work; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Some level of development: oral communication.

Related Course(s): U21 Diploma in Global Issues
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Master of Economics electives

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