School of Economics and Finance

Module Handbook

ECN105 Contemporary Economic Issues

Level: Certificate (4)
Semester: Spring 2020
Pre-requisites: ECN113 Principles of Economics, ECN102 World Economy

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1. Welcome to the Module: Aims and Learning Objectives

This module provides you with an opportunity to explore contemporary economic issues, debates and
policy. The module builds on the insights provided by the first semester Principles of Economics, World
Economy and Economics and Finance in Action modules to develop in you an ability to:

 identify and apply the appropriate economic approaches;

 explain real world economic issues;
 engage in both written and oral form with the critical analysis of current economic issues;
 understand, interpret and write journalistic discussions of economic issues;
 contribute to the policy debate concerning the contemporary issues under investigation.

2. Learning

The module aims at exploring current issues in economics by using a problem-based approach. We look at
each issue as a ‘problem’ that needs investigation and we will use data, reports, articles and other various
resources in order to find an ‘answer’ or, better, to develop an ability to explore, discuss, explain and report
on the issue. The module involves three hours of weekly contact time distributed in the following way:

 Lecture (1 hour): the aim of the lecture is to introduce the weekly topic through the discussion of
available evidence, policy debates and the economic framework that can help explain the
contemporary topic;
 Class (2 hours): you will work in groups with other students to explore in greater depth the issues
introduced in the lecture. The class will be broadly divided into two parts. In the first part you will
engage in the discussion and solution of a number of tasks linked to the weekly topic. You will then
work with your group on the assessed tasks set by the lecturer and you will have the opportunity to
discuss your progress and get feedback prior to final submission.

3. Indicative Module Outline

The module aims at addressing issues that are currently topical in economics and/or the economic
policy debates. An indicative list of the topics that are likely to be covered in the module is given below:

• Income distribution
• Minimum wage policy
• Gender Pay Gap
• Universal Basic Income
• Productivity: the 4-day working week
• Nationalisation vs Privatisation
• Competition and Regulation: should Amazon be allowed to invest in Deliveroo?
• Externalities
• Economics of global warming
• Sugar Tax
• Technology
• The economics of Cryptocurrencies
• The economics of Robots
• Trade
• Trade barriers: winners and losers
The topics are subject to change and any change to the topics covered will be promptly communicated
to all students.

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4. Assessment

The overall assessment is split between coursework that is worth 40% of the overall mark and exam that is
worth 60% of the overall mark.

4.1. Coursework (40%)

 Video Clip (15%): working in a group with other students you are asked to produce a 3 minute
video discussing a particular topical issue. The issue will be distributed in class by week 3. The
deadline for the production of the video is Sunday 8th March 2020.

 Presentation/Debate (10%): working in a group with other students you are asked to either
deliver a presentation or participate to a debate concerning a current economic issues. The
presentation/debate will take place throughout the semester.

 Economic Report/Article (15%): you are asked to produce an individual technical and non-
technical report on a current economic issue. The total length of the two reports together will
be of about 1,500 words. The deadline for the submission of the report is Sunday 5th April
2020.

4.2. Exam (60%)

 The final exam will take place in May and will include questions about issues covered in lectures
and classes. Examples of the type of questions you might be asked in the final exam will be
discussed throughout the semester.

5. Teaching Staff

The module is taught by Guglielmo Volpe and the contact details are given below:

Room Phone Email

Guglielmo Volpe GC4.23 8853 g.volpe@qmul.ac.uk

Office Hours:
Tuesday 16.00 – 17.00
Thursday 10.00 – 11.00

The teaching team is completed by:

Class Teacher Room Email

Mahmoud Shahin GC3.17 mahmoud.shahin@qmul.ac.uk

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6. Books and Other Learning Resources

Textbook

There is no single textbook that covers all the material that we will be dealing with throughout the
semester. However, the textbooks that we will make some regular reference to is:

https://www.core-econ.org/

The books is freely available online and you can also download it as an app on your phone or tablet. You
can also purchase a hard copy from Oxford University Press.

Other Learning Material

Other learning material will be distributed throughout the semester and will be made available on QMplus.
You should expect to read current economic reports, policy brief, journal articles etc. produced by research
organisations, think-tanks, foundations, newspapers, specialist academic journals etc.

The Module Website

The module has its own website on QMplus. On the website you will find the weekly learning material such
as teaching slides, journal articles, reports, videos and links to other useful resources. There will also be a
communication noticeboard that will allow you to communicate with the lecturer and with other students
on the module. Please make sure you visit the website regularly and that you engage with it in active way.

7. Regulations concerning the late submission of coursework and exceeding word limit

For every period of 24 hours, or part thereof, that an assignment is overdue there shall be a deduction of
five per cent of the total marks available (i.e. five marks for an assessment marked out of 100). After seven
calendar days (168 hours or more late) the mark shall be reduced to zero, and recorded as 0FL (zero, fail,
late). For more details about the late submission policy, please consult section 3.8 (page 21) of the UG
Student Handbook.

If the project/report/essay/article exceeds the word limit by more than 10% a deduction of 5 marks will be
applied.

8. Associates and Erasmus Students

The module is open to students visiting from other Universities in Europe and around the World. If you are
an associate or Erasmus student, then welcome on the module! Your learning experience will be the same
as that of the QMUL students and you will be expected to complete the assessment in the same time frame
as all the other students.

9. Feedback
The module is designed to give you the opportunity to get regular feedback on your progress in the
module. Expect to get regular feedback during the weekly classes with respect to the tasks you are asked to

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complete and the progress you make with the assigned coursework. Feedback will always be constructive
and aimed at helping you improve your learning and understanding. Please engage with this opportunity in
a positive way!