Positive Political Economics (ECON90037)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019

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Overview

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This subject provides an overview of the field of political economics. Political economics extends the scope of standard economic analysis by assuming that individuals follow their own agenda and maximize their own utility not only in the economic, but also in the political sphere. The following broad areas will be covered: Determinants of institutional quality and its effect on economic performance; models of political competition and (re-)elections; various (so-called) political and institutional failures, including corruption and rent seeking, and delays in welfare-increasing reforms.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:



  • Reflect on determinants and effects of institutional quality;
  • Explain different models of political competition;
  • Understand when re-elections can discipline an incumbent government and when they can lead to inefficient policies;
  • Apply models of political competition to understand observed policies;
  • Discuss the main causes and effects of corruption;
  • Apply lobbying and rent seeking models to understand observed policies;
  • Understand why welfare-increasing reforms are often delayed; and
  • Critically evaluate real-world policies from a political economics perspective.

Generic skills

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Written communication
  • Problem solving
  • Interpretation and analysis
  • Critical thinking
  • Receptiveness to alternative ideas

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of the following 2 subjects:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON40001 Advanced Microeconomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECON90002 Microeconomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Plus one of the following 2 subjects:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON40002 Advanced Macroeconomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECON90003 Macroeconomics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECON40009 Positive Political Economics
Not available in 2019
 12.5

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • A 2-hour examination. End of semester (60%);
  • One individual assignment of 3000 words, due week 6 (40%).

Note: Successful completion of this subject requires a pass (50%) in the final exam.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

Not available in 2019

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 3 November 2022