Economics of Transition (U01147)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : MSE-3-EconTrans

The course is concerned with the theoretical, empirical and institutional comparison of different economic systems and with the processes by which economic systems change over time. Particular emphasis will be placed on the current economic transition in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The topics covered are likely to include: Soviet and Hungarian planning; comparative economic performance; sectoral reallocation; price liberalisation; soft budget constraints; government failure and economic performance; privatization; the political economy of transition; macroeconomic stabilization; foreign trade and investment. For most of the semester classes will be primarily lecture-based with time for discussion. The final two classes consist of student team-work presentations.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Hons Entry

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Economics, (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
10/01/2008	16:10	18:00	Room G.01, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course the student will have an:
insight into and understanding of key issues in the comparison of economic systems and the economics of transition;
and have developed the ability to apply core economic theories in the context of transition economies and alternative economic systems.
By building on and applying the core economic analysis covered in required courses in years 1 through 3 of the programme, the course enhances understanding of these core areas of economic analysis.
General skills developed include: critical analysis and assessment; reasoning adaptably and systematically; problem-framing and problem-solving skills; obtaining and processing information from a variety sources; quantitative and numerical skills; written presentation skills; interpersonal and group skills; independent action and initiative; managing tasks and time.