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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LUBS3340 Economics of Famines
20 creditsClass Size: 70
Module manager: Dr Quentin Outram
Email: Q.Outram@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Pre-requisites
LUBS2140 | Intermediate Microeconomics |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Famines are acute episodes in which a large number of people simultaneously fail in their efforts to make a living. As such they are susceptible to economic analysis. This module is concerned to teach you how to analyse, using the tools of economics, why famines occur, how they may be prevented and the best ways to relieve them.This module supports LUBS’ distinctive approach to teaching economics as a tool for understanding and changing the world.Objectives
The module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply economic analysis to the explanation of why famines occur, how they may be prevented and how they may be relieved. The main emphases of the module are on applying economic theory to concrete events and processes, on the critical analysis of theory and evidence, and on the formulation and evaluation of policy.Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to outline and evaluate:
- Alternative theories of famine causation
- The range of famine prevention and relief policies
Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
Transferable
- Make contributions in a team environment
- Apply time management skills
- Find and evaluate relevant literature and data
Subject specific
- Apply economic theory to the analysis of famine causation, prevention and mitigation policies
Syllabus
Indicative content
Theories of and perspectives on famine and their application to particular cases; relevant features of under-nutrition and 'famine diseases'; market behaviour during famines; and policies for famine prevention and relief.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Workshop | 8 | 1.50 | 12.00 |
Library Session | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Student-led discussion | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Lecture | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
Private study hours | 171.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 29.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
For each 20 credits of study taken, the expectation is that the normal study time (including attendance at lectures and tutorials, self-study and revision) is 200 hours.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
An MCQ test at the end of Semester 1; feedback on return of first ACW in Semester 2; Oral group feedback will be offered at the end of each workshop.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 3,000 words | 50.00 |
Essay | 3,000 words | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Two weighted mean marks for the two essays will be found using weights in the following ratios: (a) 1:1 and (b) 1:2 for the first and second essays respectively. The mark awarded will be whichever mean is the highest. The resit for this module will be 100% by 3,000 word coursework.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 12/12/2018 10:48:53
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