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ES20023: Economics of politics

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Economics
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 50%, EX 50%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: ES20023 Resit Exam (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must (take ES10001 and take ES10002) or take ES10010. This unit is not available to single honours Economics students.
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
The aim of this Unit is to apply introductory microeconomic theory to analyse political behaviour. Students will investigate the extent to which a rational choice model sheds insight on political behaviour and political institutions. Thus, the intention is to provide students with an integrative link between their understanding of economic theory and political science.

Learning Outcomes:
The learning outcome is that, by the end of the course, students will be able to apply introductory microeconomic theory to analyse political behaviour. They will be able to use microeconomics to explain and predict why governments prefer one policy option to another. They will be able to assess the costs involved in democratic decision-making processes. They will be able to identify and assess alleged 'failings' of the political processes and associated prescriptions.

Skills:
Analytical skills are facilitated (i.e. skills of value beyond the subject matter), e.g. the use and evaluation of arguments, logical reasoning. Investigative (research) skills and skill in time management are facilitated. An enhanced understanding of economic analysis and skill in presentation is assessed.

Content:
The course unit begins with a review of microeconomic welfare theory. This is applied to explain and predict the behaviour of politicians, bureaucrats, voters and pressure groups. The implications of adopting different collective decision making rules are investigated. Case studies are used to illustrate theory. Assessment is offered of the public choice school's assertion that government failure leads to an excessively large public sector.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:
NB. Postgraduate programme information will be added when the postgraduate catalogues are published in August 2013

ES20023 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Economics
  • UHES-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Economics and Politics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHES-AKB01 : BSc (hons) Economics and Politics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

ES20023 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Economics
  • UHES-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Economics and International Development (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UHES-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Economics and International Development (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/14 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.