Course overview
This course deepens the critical thinking and practical reasoning of economics by examining a wide range of pressing issues confronting modern market economies, adopting a pluralist perspective throughout. While technological advances and economic globalisation have contributed to economic growth over time, they have been accompanied in many countries by underemployment and insecure employment; higher levels of income and wealth inequality; financialisaton and rising private indebtedness; higher concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; and a variety of other ecological problems. In recent years, secular stagnation, low investment rates and stalling productivity growth have been widespread. The approach taken in this course is discursive and empirical, rather than being either mathematical or heavily theoretical and technical.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and explain a range of contemporary economic issues which are currently subject to debate and controversy
- Identify, explain and apply contributions from a variety of prominent economists and various schools of thought to modern controversies relating to economic policy
- Construct effective pieces of written work of a professional standard, to communicate the results of economic analysis to non-economists
- Present economic analysis to a diverse group of students and members of staff, making appropriate use of the available technology for the purpose
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.