Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of some of the major issues facing modern societies. Using economic theory and drawing on published literature, students will examine the causes and nature of these problems, the role of government policy in addressing them and critically analyse different policy options. Major policy challenges, including environmental degradation, competition policy, the provision of health care, taxation, public goods, education; analysis of the causes and implications of these issues; analysis of the variety of methods by which public policy aimed at alleviating these problems can be evaluated (for example, cost-benefit analysis); the political economy of policy formation; understanding the relevant theoretical concepts and application to a variety of case studies.
Course learning outcomes
- Conceptualise some of the major policy challenges facing society.
- Critically evaluate policy options available to address societal issues.
- Apply analytical tools to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of various policy responses.
- Apply economic theory in assessing the causes and consequences of these issues.
- Demonstrate UniSA Business Enterprise Skills in the context of the Economics discipline: i) Problem Solving (advanced level); and ii) Written Communication (advanced level).