Economic Policy Issues

6 unitsIn PersonNot offered

Research School of Economics · ANU College of Business and Economics

About this course

This course analyses, discusses and critiques recent and important applied empirical research papers directed towards contemporary economic policy issues. Topics and papers discussed vary from year to year. Recent topics have focused on COVID fiscal and monetary responses, welfare, labour market outcomes, the rise of China, women’s move towards equality in the labour market and the effectiveness of private and public provision of education for disadvantaged groups. The primary emphasis is on the relationships between economic research and economic policy objectives, but discussions also place the research in its social, political and historical environment.

Learning outcomes

1demonstrate a depth of understanding of applied research publications that have sought to analyse effectiveness of particular aspects of contemporary economic policy;
2describe in detail new research strategies have been applied across different policy areas by focusing on their strengths and weaknesses from the viewpoint of their practical importance in the policy area of interest;
3apply economic theory and various statistical techniques to judge effectiveness and outcomes of policies;
4express your intuition and analytical ability to make judgments in policy areas where there is insufficient knowledge about key relationships that matter.

Assessment

Weights and hurdle requirements come straight from the imported ANU record.

Assessment may consist of a Final Exam, mid-semester exam(s), quizzes, assignments or some combination thereof. See the Class Summary for details.

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4

100%

Study expectations

Study information

130 hours in total over the semester consisting of lectures, tutorials/workshops and private study time. (130 hours in total)

Texts and reading

See Class Summary

Course essentials

Academic year: 2026
Course subject: ECON
Subject name: Economics
Academic career: UGRD
School: Research School of Economics
College: ANU College of Business and Economics
Convener: Not listed
Delivery: In Person
Unit value: 6 units
EFTSL: 0.125
Last source update: Not listed

View the ANU course source

Fees

Domestic fee paying students: Domestic · 2026 · Course basis; $5,520
International fee paying students: International · 2026 · Course basis; $7,020
Student Contribution Band Code 34: Commonwealth supported · 2026; ANU contribution-band code 34

Areas and attributes

Areas of interest

Economics