Special Topics in Economics unit (BEA474)

Hobart

Introduction

The goals of this unit are twofold. The first goal is to acquaint students with the methods that economists use by surveying the literature and exploring theories relevant to their topics of interest. We will focus on critical assessments of what is already known and how students could extend and contribute to the knowledge and literature. The second goal is to promote the writing, exposition, and research communication skills needed to create a compelling brief for or against a particular economic issue. As such, the unit encourages students to engage with the research output of the University by attendance at research seminars. Students will be graded on various skill assessments, including presentations, seminar reports and referee reports.

Summary

Unit name	Special Topics in Economics
Unit code	BEA474
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline	Economics
Coordinator	Professor Darla Hatton MacDonald
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Honours

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the importance of theory to academic research in your topic area.
• Critically evaluate research presentations and incorporate elements of best practices into your own research presentation.
• Communicate complex research ideas in both oral and written forms.

Fee Information

Unit fee information for 2027 will be available in September.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Regular meetings between students and the Unit Coordinators.
Assessment	Presentation and Outline (20%)|Report (40%)|Synthesis of the Literature (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	There is no prescribed text for this unit.
Recommended	Booth, W.C., Booth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., Colomb, G.G., Williams, J.M. and Williams, J.M., 2016. The Craft of Research. University of Chicago press. Strunk, W., 2007. The Elements of Style. Penguin. Berk, J.B., Harvey, C.R. and Hirshleifer, D., 2017. How to write an effective referee report and improve the scientific review process. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31, pp.231-44.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.