Economic Analysis and Policy

Subject ECON30013 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

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

This subject is not offered in 2016.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

The following:

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

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Subject Overview:

This subject focuses on the application of economics to the analysis of policy issues facing governments in Australia and overseas. The subject begins with a general introduction on the application of principles of microeconomics for guiding the formulation of policy options and their interpretation. It then explores in detail specific topics drawn from health economics, microeconomic reform, income distribution, poverty or other relevant policy areas. For each specific topic the subject presents and evaluates results in the literature and analyses future policy options and their effects.
Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain the principles of microeconomics in relation to policy development.
  • Explain how these principles guide policy in product markets.
  • Analyse the main ways concern about equity is manifest in economic policy.
  • Evaluate the measurement of social welfare, inequality and poverty.
  • Describe the means of and rationale for redistribution in an economy.
  • Evaluate the structure of the tax-transfer system in the economy.
  • Identify the main characteristics of the industries of education and health services.
  • Analyse the main ways economic theory is used to explain family formation and function.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary policy debates with reference to economic principles as applied to education, health, and families.
Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (70%), one class assignments totalling approximately 2000 words (20%), and one 10-minute presentation (10%).
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; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.

  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Some level of development: collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning; use of computer software.

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