TEACHING

POLICY ANALYSIS
ECO4028S

For honours students interested in understanding how economic evidence and analysis can inform policies that generate more rapid and inclusive growth in South Africa, while explicitly recognising that history and context shape the challenges and opportunities that policies and public programmes have to confront.

Students are required to write six essay assignments of between 2,500 and 3,000 words each, of which the best four will comprise the course mark. There is no exam.

PUBLIC SECTOR ECONOMICS
ECO3023S

This undergraduate course covers the core topics in public economics that are common to most countries and contexts, including externalities, public goods, social insurance, redistribution and taxation. The course also examines more specific questions related to key South African policy debates, such as healthcare, education, social grants and infrastructure. 

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Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and write one essay. There is one class test and a written final exam.

QUANTITIVE METHODS IN ECONOMICS
ECO3021S

An undergraduate course covering introductory econometrics and mathematics for economists, with an emphasis on the former. Econometrics topics include basic probability theory and linear regression tools and techniques. Mathematics topics include comparative statics, and constrained and unconstrained optimisation, with a focus on the use of these techniques in economic modelling.  There is a large practical component with extensive use of Stata, a statistical analysis software package. 

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There is a paired research project based on South African household survey data that students must complete. There are also two class tests and a written final exam.