COURSE SYLLABUS
Geographical Economics, 7.5 credits
Geographical Economics, 7,5 högskolepoäng
Course Syllabus for students Autumn 2020
Course Code: JEGN16
Confirmed by: Council for Undergraduate and Masters Education Sep 29, 2015
Revised by: May 7, 2020
Valid From: Aug 17, 2020
Version: 2
Education Cycle: First-cycle level
Disciplinary domain: Social sciences (75%) and natural sciences (25%)
Subject group: NA1
Specialised in: G2F
Main field of study: Economics

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

On completion of the course, the students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

1. Describe the fundamental theories and concepts of location of economic activities
2. Explain the main principles and outcomes of the core model of geographical economics
3. Recall empirical research in geographical and urban economics

Skills and abilities

4. Analyse location issues and interpret results, based on empirical data of industry and regions
5. Design reports and presentations and carry out tasks within given time frames
6. Communicate and explain ideas, information and concepts within geographical and urban economics

Judgement and approach

7. Evaluate the outcome of the core model of geographical economies, when, for example, changing key variables
8. Reflect on policy and welfare implications of geographical and urban economics
9. Choose appropriate theories and methods to apply on empirical data

Contents

The course gives an introduction to geographical and urban economics, covering topics such as:Connection to Research and Practice
The course introduces the foundations of research in geographical and urban economics, and covers influential as well as recent empirical research on these topics. The course relates to the research conducted at JIBS, especially CEnSE focus area of spatial economics, which includes research on how spatial factors relate to economic outcomes (such as entrepreneurship and renewal).

The course connects to practice through the compulsory assignment/s, which include working with empirical data to analyze issues within urban and/or geographical economics. The practical work is connected to theory since a theoretical framework is used to analyze empirical results. The assignment/s help to prepare for thesis writing, as well as writing and presenting, e.g., reports in future jobs.

Type of instruction

Lectures and seminars. The course entails compulsory written group assignments and oral presentations.

The teaching is conducted in English.

Prerequisites

60 credits in Economics or Business Administration including 15 credits in Economics, and 7,5 credits in statistics and/or econometrics (or the equivalent).

Examination and grades

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

Individual written exam (ILOs: 1-3, 6-8) representing 4.5 credits
Group assignment/s, written and oral, (ILOs: 4-6, 9) representing 3 credits

All parts of compulsory examination in the course must be passed with a passing grade (A-E) before a final grade can be set. The grade is set in accordance to JIBS grading policy.

Registration of examination:
Name of the TestValueGrading
Individual written exam14.5 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Group assignment/s (written and oral)13 creditsA/B/C/D/E/FX/F
1 All parts of the compulsory examination in the course must be passed with a passing grade (A-E) before a final grade can be set. Grade is set in accordance to JIBS grading policy.

Course evaluation

It is the responsibility of the examiner to ensure that each course is evaluated. At the outset of the course, evaluators must be identified (elected) among the students. The course evaluation is carried out continuously as well as at the end of the course. On the completion of the course the course evaluators and course examiner discuss the course evaluation and possible improvements. A summary report is created and archived. The reports are followed up by program directors and discussed in program groups and with relevant others (depending on issue e.g. Associate Dean of Education, Associate Dean of faculty, Director of PhD Candidates, Dean and Director of Studies). The next time the course runs, students should be informed of any measures taken to improve the course based on the previous course evaluation.

Other information

Academic integrity
JIBS students are expected to maintain a strong academic integrity. This implies to behave within the boundaries of academic rules and expectations relating to all types of teaching and examination.

Copying someone else’s work is a particularly serious offence and can lead to disciplinary action. When you copy someone else’s work, you are plagiarizing. You must not copy sections of work (such as paragraphs, diagrams, tables and words) from any other person, including another student or any other author. Cutting and pasting is a clear example of plagiarism. There is a workshop and online resources to assist you in not plagiarizing called the Interactive Anti-Plagiarism Guide.

Other forms of breaking academic integrity include (but are not limited to) adding your name to a project you did not work on (or allowing someone to add their name), cheating on an examination, helping other students to cheat and submitting other students work as your own, and using non-allowed electronic equipment during an examination. All of these make you liable to disciplinary action.

Course literature

Brakman, S., Garretsen, H.and van Marrewijk, C. (2019) An Introduction to Geographical and Urban Economics. Cambridge University Press.

Additional articles will be provided during the course.