Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
This course will contain two or three modules focusing on an integrated PPE approach towards addressing some of the world's 'wicked problems' taught in seminar mode or online. The modules will be taught by leading academics from across UQ's school, faculties and institutes or by eminent international academics or visitors, acting as a means of facilitating their engagement with UQ teaching and learning in an intensive period.
In this course, students will engage with conceptual frameworks and empirical methods essential for the analysis and comprehension of complex social issues. Emphasizing positive analysis, the course particularly focuses on the interplay between economic and political factors. Additionally, it includes an exploration of related normative issues.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Minimum 32 units from the BPPE(Hons) list
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in the BPPE(Hons)
Course contact
School enquiries
School Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed toﾠenquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.ﾠ
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer.
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in Week 1.
Tutorials/Workshops commence in Week 2.
Please see the Learning Activities section of this Course Profile for the timetabling implications of public holidays.
Important Dates:
· Public Holidays: Fri 18 April (Good Friday), Mon 5ﾠMay (Labour Day).
· Mid-Semester Break: 21ﾠApril - 25ﾠApril. Semester 1 classes recommence on Mon 28ﾠApril.
Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time to time late room changes may occur.
Aims and outcomes
This course is designed to equip students with conceptual frameworks and empirical methods for investigating and understanding complex social issues. The primary focus of this course is on positive analysis, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between economic and political factors. Related normative issues will also be explored.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Comprehend important economic concepts to analyze social issues and public policy.
LO2.
Apply game-theoretic frameworks to analyze economic and political behavior.
LO3.
Understand the core ideas of credible empirical approaches for evaluating data.
LO4.
Rigorously evaluate public policy.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Presentation and Discussion
|
10% |
10/03/2025 - 12/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique | Research Report | 50% |
30/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Take-home Assignment | 40% |
11/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Presentation and Discussion
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation, Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 12/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students are expected to actively participate in discussions and written exercises during the classes, based on the assigned readings before the lecture and workshop, as well as materials handed out or presented during the workshop. Students are also expected to present at least once on their proposed topic for the research report. Students are assessed on their demonstrated familiarity with the assigned readings, the quality and depth of contributions to discussions, and their thoughtfulness in addressing a complex policy problem proposed for the research report. To obtain full marks for this assessment, students are expected to attend at least 8 workshops. Attendance will be monitored in each class. Presentation slots are to be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The online sign-up sheet will be available before Week 4.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
If a student is unable to attend their allocated presentation slot due to exceptional circumstances, they may present a recorded virtual presentation or an in-person one if a slot is available.
Research Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
30/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Choose a complex problem, analyze the background and intricacies of this problem, identify the challenges to solving or mitigating the problem, and propose one or several policies to address it. Write a research report as if you are a junior staff member of a policy advisor. Any proposal should be mindful of the economic, political, and social constraints in implementing the recommended policies. In particular, the proposed policies should not increase the net spending of the relevant government by more than 1%.
The report comprises no more than 2,000 words. The bibliography should be added at the end of the report. The word limit includes all text, excluding solely figures, tables, photographs, and the bibliography. Half a point will be deducted from the final mark for every 100 words in excess of the limit.
AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Appropriate use of AI includes spelling and grammar checks, seeking definitions of a particular term or concept, and assistance in computer programming. Inappropriate use of generative AI includes copying and pasting a sentence or more from an AI chatbot. Please be aware that generative AI, particularly large language models, are statistical models that may provide factually or conceptually incorrect information. It is the student's responsibility to ensure information, concepts, citations, statistics, etc, are accurate in their assessment.
Submission guidelines
Report to be submitted online on the course Blackboard site by the due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for the granting of extensions must be submitted through my.UQ: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland with supporting documentation before the submission due date/time. If an extension is approved, the new agreed date for submission will be noted on the application and the student notified through their student email. Extensions cannot exceed the number of days you suffered from a medical condition, as stated on the medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Take-home Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
11/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The assignment is a problem set that may involve a mixed of multiple choice question, problem solving, short answer, and/or short essay questions. The assignment may also involve locating, collecting, and analyzing some data regarding specific questions asked in the problem sets. Questions can be given on any topic covered throughout the semester. You will have a period of 50 hours to complete the assignment.
The Blackboard submission of the assignment will be released at 12 PM on 9 June 2025 and due at 2 PM on 11 June, 2025.
AI
Students must not use generative AI in completing this assessment task. Use of AI in this assessment may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Report to be submitted online on the course Blackboard site by the due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for the granting of extensions must be submitted through my.UQ: Applying for an extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland with supporting documentation before the submission due date/time. If an extension is approved, the new agreed date for submission will be noted on the application and the student notified through their student email. Extensions cannot exceed the number of days you suffered from a medical condition, as stated on the medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student's final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. Further information on plagiarism and how to avoid an allegation of plagiarism is available in this course profile under Policies and Procedures. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Modules (AIM). It is strongly recommended that you complete the AIM if you have not already done so.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, all assignments must be lodged by the due date and time stated in the course profile and are to be submitted online via Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A detailed reading list will be provided on the course blackboard site.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 1 Introduction to the Course Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 2 Formal Theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 3 Public Goods Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 4 Normative Framework Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 5 Coordination Problems Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
Week 6 Commitment Problems Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Dynamic Inconsistency Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Empirical Methods Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-sem break No classes this week Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Week 9 State & Institutions Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10 Labour Day (Public Holiday) - No Lecture, Tutorial, or Workshop Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Week 11 Principle-Agent Problems Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Week 12 Information Asymmetry Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Week 13 Governance Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.