Understanding Economics and Politics

SOSC 1012AED

Course Guide

UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS AND POLITICS

SOSC 1012AED

Course Guide

UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS AND POLITICS

Course Start Date

Aut 2024

Course Level

1000

Length in Terms

2 terms

Credits

6

Language

English

Fees ($) (including lab fees)

9,000

Future Terms

Quota and Schedule

Course Start Date	Course Level	Length in Terms	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Terms
Aut 2024	1000	2 terms	6	English	9,000

Course Coordinator:

Dr Stephan Ortmann, MA, PhD (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany)

Course Developer:

Dr Chan Kar-lun; Vincent Mo

Excluded combinations and courses not allowed to be taken again

SOSC 1012ACD

Aims

The overall aims of SOSC 1012AED Understanding Economics and Politics are to:

introduce a critical understanding of the basic concepts in economics;
explain economic phenomenon through economic models and theories;
critically analyse the effect of government policies on the economy;
introduce a critical understanding of the basic concepts of political science and the relationship between political science and our daily lives;
analyse different political regime types and country examples; and
acquire a critical understanding of the key concepts and practices in international relations.

Contents

The course covers the following topics:

Learning support

Teaching and learning
The custom textbook and the Study Guide, together with seven face-to-face tutorials and two day schools, are the main strategies to help students achieve the learning outcomes. Students can also consult the tutor by phone or email about the course knowledge and their performance within the designated hours. The overall course delivery will also be monitored by the Course Coordinator.

Online support
The Online Learning Environment (OLE), being an additional support, gives students online access to the electronic copies of the course materials and Study Guide, presentation schedule, assignments and admits e-submission of assignments. Although participation is optional, students are also encouraged to take part in the Discussion Board therein to enhance their self-study and learning.

Assessment

Assignments 1 and 2, each worth 25%, evaluate materials covered in Units 1 to 3.
Assignments 3 and 4, each worth 25%, evaluate materials covered in Units 4 to 6.

Online requirement

Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Set Book(s)

Custom textbook
Based on the intended learning outcomes and the assurance of the currency of course content, chapters from the following textbooks have been selected for the compilation of the course's custom textbook.
(1) Mankiw, N G (2021) Essentials of Economics, 9th ed. Singapore: Cengage.
(2) Magstadt, T (2021) Understanding Politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues, 13th ed. Boston: Cengage.
Study Guide
An accompanying study guide that summarises, clarifies and elaborates the textbook content with self-tests and activities is being made to aid students' self-study.