Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit exposes students to practical applications of a variety of economic theories to analyse major issues of current interest in the Australian and global economies. Topics include (but are not limited to) welfare analysis, taxation, economic growth, efficiency, productivity and public policies.

Aims

This unit aims to demonstrate that a variety of economic theories can be applied to understand and find potential solutions to important issues and problems facing national and international economies. This unit also aims to help students develop an analytical framework to tackle major economic issues. The unit illustrates the use of several important tools of analyses in conducting empirical research.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Use relevant economic theories to improve understanding of topical issues facing national and international economies;
2. Understand important aspects of economic approaches to analyse relevant issues;
3. Assess prospects (and limitations) of public policy to tackle relevant economic issues;
4. Understand the usefulness and limitations of analytical tools used in empirical economic research.

Content

The unit comprises of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories, policy issues and practical applications. Several microeconomic and macroeconomic theories have been introduced in prerequisite units and will be discussed at a more advanced level in this unit. The theories will be used to understand contemporary issues facing national and international economies. Issues relevant to public policy, taxation, economic growth, efficiency and productivity will be covered. The unit also illustrates the use of important tools of analysis in applied economic studies.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be delivered in weekly three-hour lecture/tutorial blocks of which two hours take a formal lecture format. Tutorial sessions will be mostly student-driven as students will be required to present compulsory tutorial presentations. Relevant reading materials for each week will be placed on the BlackBoard site of the unit. Other reading materials will also be handed out during the lectures.

Students will be exposed to various learning activities and assessment items which require team work, communication skills, critical thinking, and the conduct of ethical reasoning and standards.

In accordance with QUT policy, all units are to be subject to Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA). The unit coordinator will provide students with further details regarding CRA during the course of the semester during class and on the unit's Blackboard site.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation


• Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary


• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation


• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Presentation and Participation
Description: This assessment item has two components: presentation (15%) and participation (5%) which will be carried out in tutorial classes. For the presentation component, students in each tutorial class will be given an opportunity to form small groups to present work on selected contemporary economic issues (debate topics). A list of debate topics will be provided in Week 1. Each group will be required to make an oral presentation and answer questions from audience. Group members will be encouraged to discuss the presentations of other groups. Team work, presentation of knowledge acquired and communication skills are three important aspects which will be assessed. Each student will be assessed individually for his/her participation during presentations of different groups in tutorial classes. The details are provided in the Week 1 Information Document.
Length/Duration:20 minutes
Formative or Summative:Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1, 1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.2), TW (4.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weekly 5 - 10

Assessment name: Academic Essay
Description: Each student is required to produce an academic essay on the topic presented in Assessment Item 1. More details are provided in the Week 1 Information Document.
Length/Duration:2,000 words
Formative or Summative:Formative and Summative.
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), TW (4.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 7 - 12

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: The final examination will consist of essay questions. The subject matter will be drawn from lectures and tutorials.
Length/Duration:2 hours + 10 mins perusal time.
Formative or Summative:Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 3, 4, 5, and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU(5.1).
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text
There are no prescribed texts for this unit. The lecturers involved will provide the required references.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 10-Apr-2013