EC324A: European Urban & Regional Economics 1

Module Provider:

Economics

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn and Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr GR Crampton

Pre-requisites:

EC201A EC202A

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Module version for:

2006/7

Aims:

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to:
Analyse the economic forces which shape the spatial structure of urban areas, and the urban system, together with the impact of European integration on patterns of urban and regional development.
Describe and discuss the long term economic trends in industrial and commercial location
which have changed the spatial form of cities and the distribution of city sizes.
Outline and comment on the motives for the development of urban regeneration policies in
the U.K., Europe and the U.S. Selected policy details will be developed using a comparative approach.
Interpret the disparities in the economic prosperity of regions, both in the U.K. and Europe
as a whole.
Outline the alternative economic explanations of differing levels of regional development
and growth.

Additional outcomes:
Students will participate in group discussions of current policy issues relating to urban and regional structure in Europe. They will be expected to make use of relevant published research in preparing their assessed essays.

Outline content:
Introduction to economic functions of cities; residential location; employment location; urban labour markets and urban policy; urban transportation problems; European perspectives on urban change.
Regional definition and differences; regional growth theory; regional industry location.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures will be used for the exposition of the principal concepts, theories and policy details associated with the subject. Classes will focus on discussion and illustration of the theoretical material through examples. Preparation of essays is used to develop more detailed understanding.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
A total of two essays will be required (each normally 2000 words maximum) on subject matter discussed in classes.

Relative percentage of coursework
Coursework has a weight of 20% in the final assessment mark, each essay having a weight of 10%.

Penalties for late submission
Penalties for late submission will be in accordance with the University policy.
Unless an extension has been agreed beforehand, any work submitted after the deadline will be subject to a 10 out of 100 mark penalty deduction for work submitted between one and seven calendar days late, after which zero will be awarded.

Examination
One 2-hour unseen written paper.
Part 3 Final examinations begin in the third week of the Summer term.

Requirements for a pass
A minimum mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination for Finals takes place in August/September of the same year.