Topics in Microeconomic Theory I
| Module title | Topics in Microeconomic Theory I |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEEM144 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Mario Du Preez (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 12 |
|---|
Module description
This is a topics course in advanced microeconomic theory. The course will cover topics in advanced microeconomics with emphasis on fundamentals, existing theoretical tools, constructing new theory for empirical analysis and applications to recent theoretical advances.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module explores burgeoning areas of modern microeconomics, with the aim of enabling students to write independent research in microeconomics at the research frontier.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Provide technical analysis and address complex questions at the frontier of microeconomic research.
- 2. Discuss economic problems, provide mathematical representation and solution to the problem
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Apply self-direction and originality in tackling and solving microeconomics problems.
- 4. Develop their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Identify, tackle and solve relevant research problems
- 6. Work independently and responsibly on complex research problems.
Syllabus plan
- Topics in Labour Economics:
- Taste-base discrimination
- Statistical discrimination
- Institutional discrimination
- Dynamic discrimination
- Other forms of discrimination
- Recent advances in the economics of education
- Recent advances in gender economics
- Recent advances in labour economics
- Topics in Development Economics
- Recent advances in health economics for developing countries
- Recent advances in the economics of education for developing countries
- Recent advances in development economics
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Schedules learning and teaching | 33 (3 per week) | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | 58 | Guided reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 59 | Assessment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research question overview | Varies | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-class oral presentation and slides - 1 | 20 | 45 minutes | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
| In-class oral presentation and slides - 2 | 20 | 45 minutes | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
| Research proposal presentation | 20 | 30 minutes | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
| Research project | 40 | Up to 3,000 words | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research project (40%) | Research project (40%) | 1-6 | August examination period |
| Research proposal presentation (20%) | Research proposal presentation (20%) | 1-6 | August examination period |
| In-class oral presentation and slides - 1 (20%) | In-class oral presentation and slides - 1 (20%) | 1-6 | August examination period |
| In-class oral presentation and slides - 2 (20%) | In-class oral presentation and slides - 2 (20%) | 1-6 | August examination period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Selected readings (more will be discussed in class and on ELE):
- Oreopoulos, and Salvanes (2011), “Priceless: The Nonpecuniary Benefits of Schooling”, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 25(1): 159–84
- Goodman, Melkers, and Pallais (2019), "Can online delivery increase access to education?”, Journal of Labor Economics, 37(1): 1-34
- Bailey (2006), “More power to the pill: The impact of contraceptive freedom on women’s life cycle labor supply”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 121(1): 289- 320
- Blau and Kahn (2017), “The Gender Wage Gap: Extent, Trends, and Explanations”, Journal of Economic Literature, 55(3): 789-865
- Mbiti (2016), "The Need for Accountability in Education in Developing Countries“, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 30(3): 109-32
- Duflo (2001), "Schooling and Labor Market Consequences of School Construction in Indonesia: Evidence from an Unusual Policy Experiment”, American Economic Review, 91(4): 795- 813
- Baird, Hicks, Kremer, and Miguel (2016), “Worms at Work: Long-Run Impacts of a Child Health Investment”, Quarterly Journal of Economics, 131(4): 1637-1680
- Thornton (2008), "The Demand for, and Impact of, Learning HIV Status”, American Economic Review, 98(5): 1829-1863
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | Only available to MRes Economics PhD pathway students |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/06/2019 |
| Last revision date | 26/09/2023 |
