EC126-Communicating Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: EC113 Introductory Microeconomics or AP1EE3 Economics 1
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof James Reade
Email: j.j.reade@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an introduction to the basic idea surrounding the communication of science, and in particular their application to the field of economics. Economic ideas relate to so many every day events that in order for economic expertise to be influential, it must be well communicated.

Aims:

This module aims to equip students of economics with the skills to communicate. Communication is an essential part of understanding any field of study, and this module will enable students to understand both principles of communication, and principles of communicating economics. A particular focus of this module will be communication via social media.

Assessable learning outcomes:

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Understand principles of the communication of science.


• Appreciate the problems that economists have faced in communication their ideas.


• Understand the particular characteristics of communication via social media.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Ten one-hour lectures will present theories of communication, with applications into the area of economics. In five two-hour seminars students will put these theories into practice.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		10
Guided independent study:	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (directed)		30
Ìý Ìý Exam revision/preparation			15
Ìý Ìý Preparation for presentations		5
Ìý Ìý Preparation for seminars		10
Ìý Ìý Essay preparation		15
Ìý Ìý Reflection		5
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	0
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	25
Oral assessment and presentation	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen exam

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write one essay of 1500 words accounting for 25% of overall module mark, and undertake a group oral assessment and presentation worth 25% of overall module mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination for Part 1 modules takes place in August/September of the same year. Re-assessment will be on the basis of one further written assignment. This will not be a re-submission of an earlier assignment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý None

4) Printing and binding:Ìý None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý None

Last updated: 30 July 2021