Details - The rationale for the portfolio approach is to ensure all the various elements of the learning material are covered in a consistent way. Reflecting the learning strategy outlined above, 50% of the overall assessment of this module will be a portfolio containing answers to a selection from three or four sets of questions. The student will have to revise initial answers in the light of class discussion. The portfolio is to be submitted within 24 hours of the final class discussion. The other element of assessment is an end of semester, 1,500 word essay which requires the student to apply analytical skills to the contemporary issue not previously analysed in class.

In order for the assignment to achieve a pass grade it will have to contain evidence of an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of Applied Economics issues and related theory. For a distinction grade to be awarded, the assignment should also provide evidence of an ability to extend the issues raised in the existing literature.

In order for the portfolio to achieve a pass grade it will have to contain evidence of a critical approach to the required reading and set questions. For a distinction grade to be awarded, the portfolio should also provide evidence of an understanding of, and an ability to extend, the issues raised in tutorial discussions. Both parts of the Assessment test all the Learning Outcomes.

No set textbooks are required as the module is based on key academic articles. The indicative types of journal that will be used include the Journal of Economic Literature, Review of Economics Studies and the Journal of Economic Perspectives.

Delivery will be by means of a weekly two or three hour class. Initially these classes will biased towards introducing core theory and tools plus examining their application to current Applied Economics resource issues. As the necessary skills are developed, the weight will shift towards class discussions of relevant journal literature. Typically, this will required three, usually short, papers fortnightly developing answers to pre-circulated questions. These questions will form the basis of class discussions and ultimately of a main element of your assessment. Overall, tutor-led and question-based discussions will have equal weighting.

The module introduces several topics in Applied Economics in terms of the key economic principles, practice and policies. With the wider economic dynamics critically reviewed, there will be three or four main contemporary issues which may include the following areas of analysis. Firstly, Human Capital Theory (including aspects of Labour Economics); secondly, Foreign Direct Investment (including aspects of International Economics); thirdly entrepreneurship and innovation (including aspects of Industrial Microeconomics); fourthly any other area of Applied Economics depending on staff research interests.
Throughout the module there will be a strong applied element to the nature of the analysis (e.g. accessing current data and sources of information) as well as current topical aspects to Applied Economics (e.g. data streams, business histories and case studies).

A set of published articles and working papers to be discussed in class alongside a number of key books in each of contemporary issues.