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ECON3051: HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT

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Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Economics

Prerequisites

  • Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop knowledge of the schools of thought in the history of economic thought, and to examine the methodological criteria by which analytical or scientific advances in the discipline may be determined. The module also provides students with the opportunity to draw on recent research. This module builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Level 2 core modules.

Content

  • The module focuses on topics as value, prices, distribution, money, trade, economic growth, and public finance as well as economic policy issues.
  • The module deals with the writing of particular individual economists.
  • The module concludes with a discussion of theories of the history of science and their applications to economics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • understanding the historical development of analytical techniques in economics

Subject-specific Skills:

  • using the history of ideas as an essential part of economic reasoning

Key Skills:

  • Reasoning abilities
  • Skills in assessing alternative ideas, and the criteria used in accepting or rejecting economic arguments, theories, or theoretical systems
  • Mathematical skills will be enhanced by examination of the gradual refinement of mathematical techniques in economics.
  • Students' skills in writing and presenting their economic knowledge

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of one piece of written work. Summative assessment is by means of an in-person written examination and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures221 per week1 hour22 
Seminars84 in term 1, 4 in term 21 hour8Yes
Preparation and Reading170 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 60%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
One in-person written examination2 hours100Same
Component: AssignmentComponent Weighting: 40%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
One written assignment2500 words max100Same

Formative Assessment

One piece of written work.

More information

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