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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Becoming an Economist

• Module code: EC4001
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 4
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: None
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

The module is designed to help you develop many of the basic skills used in the discipline of economics. The module explores and covers a variety of study and research techniques. You will develop skills in the use of language, writing, ICT usage, data collection, data interpretation and groupwork. Key threshold economic concepts will also be incorporated. Particular emphasis will be placed on small group learning and personal development planning.

Aims

• To introduce and demonstrate the generic value of research and study skills;
• To promote and develop students' study and research skills in the discipline of economics;
• To develop a reflective approach to learning and;
• To introduce basic substantive economic concepts in a real-world context.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate effective (oral and written) communication skills;
• Identify appropriate data sources and referencing materials;
• Discuss the importance of skills application within economics, and;
• Apply relevant concepts and skills to current economic issues.

Curriculum content

Microeconomics/Macroeconomics/Maths/Stats

• Introducing relevant substantive economic concepts and appropriate mathematical and statistical techniques.

Personal development planning

• Identifying the skills needed to begin thinking like an economist; completing an individual skills audit and constructing an action plan to enhance study and research skills.
• Introducing the concept of reflective writing.
• Developing employability skills and CV building

Collecting information and managing your time

• Introducing and applying study skills including goal-setting, reading, note-taking, time management, revision strategies.
• Developing individual goals relating to the knowledge of economic concepts.

Sourcing and referencing information

• Introducing and applying research skills including using the physical and electronic LRC resources, keyword searches, selecting appropriate and relevant sources, accurately citing and referencing sources, avoiding plagiarism.
• Identifying keywords appropriate to economics, evaluating internet sources and finding other relevant sources.

ICT usage

• Developing fundamental ICT skills for economists using Microsoft Office package, eg. Word, Excel and Powerpoint and introduction to RefWorks

Working with others and communicating effectively

• Introducing and applying speaking, listening, presentation and team-working skills.
• Working in small groups to evaluate, debate and develop arguments relating to various economic concepts.
• Developing and delivering group presentations to persuasively communicate the group's understanding of economic concepts.

Reflecting on experience

• Considering personal strengths, challenges and feelings during the module, including identifying preferred learning styles and research strategies and action plans for future development.
• Developing individual pieces of reflective writing.

Teaching and learning strategy

Module delivery will be through workshops. Some weeks may be set aside for directed activities and/or group tasks and group work. These group tasks/work will form the basis for presentation groups throughout the year and the workshops will provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and to seek guidance from their tutor.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

Assessment will be through a combination of a low stakes early assessment in the form of an essay (1000 words) worth 20% and a portfolio worth 80% comprising a 1500 words essay (50% of overall mark) and group presentation (30% of overall mark). Students will be required to demonstrate a clear understanding of relevant study and research techniques; to carry out competent and independent economic research and to present and communicate their research findings effectively. Opportunities for formative assessment will be provided, wherever necessary and/or appropriate.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Atkinson, B, and S. Johns (2001) Studying Economics Palgrave Study Guides

Cottrell, S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook, 2^nd edition. New York, NY: Palgrave MacMillan

Bibliography recommended reading

Boakes, K. (2009) Reading and Understanding Economics, Pearson Education Limited, England

Boakes, K. (2008) Reading and Understanding the Financial Times, Pearson Education Limited, England