AF7016 - General Economics: Theory and Practice

The module will be taught through lectures and seminars. At the start of the module you will be provided with a teaching and learning plan (TLP) which will detail the structure and content of the module on a week by week basis and provide guidance on pre-seminar reading and research. The TLP will also provide suggested learning activities to guide your independent directed and self-directed learning. Independent learning is encouraged and could include involvement in Careers Service events and seminars.



Teaching sessions will start with a complex problem from the real world in order to place the purpose of economics alongside the development of technical concepts and principles in economics. The adoption of this approach will contextualize economics and make use of data as a linkage to reality. This will give a job-oriented background to lessons and students will discover how economics provides a clear way of thinking about real world problems. Course content will integrate a wide range of learning materials, including economics journals and news articles. Providing perspectives from the different approaches to economics will give you an understanding of the political nature of the discipline and foster intellectual openness. A focus on discussion within economics seminars will help you develop the communication skills desired by graduate employers.

Your learning will be supported throughout by the module teaching team and your personal tutor, who are available to provide feedback and answer your questions, either in person or by email. During seminars your tutor will provide regular formative feedback to support your learning. Engagement with web-based discussion boards will be encouraged as an opportunity to collaborate and explore topics with peers and get informal peer review and feedback.



You will also be provided with access to a range of reading and visual materials, including journal articles, reports, international documentaries, newspaper and magazine articles, videos, blogs and reports through the e-Learning platform (eLP). The teaching and learning plan (TLP) will provide a wide-ranging reading list of both core and supplementary materials to guide and support your independent learning and preparation for lectures and seminars.



Your lectures will be recorded and uploaded to the eLP which will give you an opportunity to review and consolidate your knowledge and develop your understanding at your pace.



To assist your learning, you will also have access to the University’s library facilities, including extensive electronic resources, eBooks and electronic academic journal articles.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

You will gain knowledge and understanding of economic concepts, principles and tools. (MLO1)

You will understand the application of relevant economic principles and reasoning to a variety of applied topics. (MLO2)



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate the Northumbria University Employability and Leadership Attributes which describe the key skills, knowledge and behaviours required by an effective leader. (MLO3)?

Demonstrate ability to work in culturally diverse groups and teams and make appropriate and personal contributions to team effectiveness. (MLO4)



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Critically evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses in order to plan for development and growth of knowledge and understanding as well as to engage in reflective self-development. (MLO5)

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will take place through applied individual and group activities and exercises during seminars. There will be continuous feedback by the module leader during the seminars on the assigned tasks. Personal and “customised” feedback will also be provided during tutor office hours.



Summative Assessment

This module will be assessed through a combination of:



A 2,500-word report weighted at 50%.

(MLO3, MLO4, MLO5)

An exam weighted at 50%. (MLO1, MLO2)

None

None

This module focuses on microeconomics and macroeconomics while integrating opportunities to develop the workplace skills and behaviours that will support you in acquiring a future career. Course content is designed to highlight and illustrate the practical importance of a knowledge of economics in understanding today’s complex economic issues and to develop the application, skills and intellectual curiosity that are valued by employers. On this module you will be supported by a range of activities including engaging in tasks that you would be expected to perform in jobs that economics graduates typically occupy. You will undertake a research-based assignment during which you are provided with opportunities to lead and work in culturally diverse teams while focusing on problems and methodologies of practical and as theoretical importance in economics. The module fosters intellectual openness and you will learn how to communicate your ideas effectively both to economists and non-economists and how to apply what you have learned in the context of the contested nature of the discipline. Additionally, you will engage in critical self-reflection which will enable you to explore your strengths, weaknesses and areas for development in relation to your career development plans. A key outcome of this process is developing your ability to exploit this development in order to lead and manage more effectively in your future career. In so doing, this module is not only ideal preparation for your first job after graduation but also kickstarts your commitment to life-long personal and professional learning.