Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module ECON1071: THE WORLD ECONOMY

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance)

ECON1071: THE WORLD ECONOMY

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • GCSE Mathematics at grade A.

Corequisites

  • Principles of Economics (ECON1011).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Provide students with knowledge and understanding of the fundamental features of different types of economy, and of world trade and the international financial system.
  • Provide students with an understanding of international trade theory, of economic growth and economic transition/transformation.
  • Inform students of key concepts relevant to understanding/analysis of important developments and crises in the world economy.
  • Offer the opportunity to develop key skills.

Content

  • Types of economic system
  • International trade theory
  • Technology and trade relations
  • International factor movements
  • Exchange rates
  • International money and financial crisis
  • Economic growth in the world economy since 1800
  • The EU
  • The Americas
  • The transition economies of Eastern Europe
  • China, India, Africa and the Middle East
  • The global environment, inequalities and sustainability

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding of the key features of different types of economic system.
  • Understanding of key institutions in the world economy.
  • Knowledge and understanding of relevant economic concepts.
  • Understanding the causes and impact of change on economies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to explain the underlying reasons for changes in economies/economic systems.
  • Ability to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of economic systems.
  • Ability to identify, interpret and use information for the study of economies and the world economy.
Key Skills:
  • Examples are provided to demonstrate how students will have the opportunity to develop the following key skills:
  • Written Communication - by completing formative and summative assignments.
  • Problem Solving - by applying the necessary analytical techniques in preparing assignments.
  • Initiative - by searching relevant literature and other information in preparation for the formative assignment and the examination.

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

  • Teaching is by lecture and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of an assignment. Summative assessment is by means of an examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 41 2 per week 1 hour 41
Seminars 8 4 in term one; 4 in term two 1 hour 8
Preparation and reading 150 151
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One unseen examination 2 hours 30 minutes 100%

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,000 words max.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University