Economics 348
This module concerns a wide spectrum of policy issues in the South African economy. The aim here is to familiarise the student with the most important economic policy issues and the associated action required. Furthermore, this module represents a culmination and rounding off of undergraduate study in Economics, with emphasis on the application of skills already acquired. It therefore relies on the knowledge that the student has acquired in the preceding modules in Economics and this knowledge is consolidated within the South African context. Knowledge of, and insight into, policy debates and policy-making is of great value in the public as well as the private sectors, as both are influenced by government policy. Various lecturers in the Department of Economics are either directly involved in the policy process as advisors, consultants and members of government commissions and committees, or are involved in the analysis thereof. The Economics 348 policy module is a consequence of this close involvement with policy processes and is the only one of its kind in South Africa. Various guest lecturers (for example from the Bureau for Economic Research) reinforce this strength. In addition, provision is also made for guest lectures by experts from the private and public sectors. And these lectures will also be regarded as part of the module material for the purposes of assessments. The module is presented in block form, where the different topics are dealt with in consecutive classes.
Examples of policy areas aimed at by the module include macro-economic stabilisation policy (specifically fiscal policy), economic growth and industrialisation, growth and development, the distribution problem, distribution via the budget, social policy, environmental policy, policy options for industrial growth and competition policy. Computer tutorials will also be a part of this module.
Prerequisite Pass module (PP): Economics 214
Prerequisite module (P): Economics 244
Corequisite module (C): Economics 318
Credits: 24
Classes per week: 4 lectures, 1 tutorial
Module convenor: Dr Krige Siebrits
Work programme: Economic Decision-Making and the Natural Environment
Work programme: Competition Policy
Work programme: Trade and Industrial Policy
Work programme: Economic Development and Structural Issues: Distribution
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Upcoming Seminars
Monday 13 October 202512:10-13:10
Prof Euan Phimister: Stellenbosch Business School
Topic: "TBA"
12:10-13:10
Dr Friedrich Kreuser: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Allocative Efficiency, Labour Shares, and Corporate Lobbying in European Manufacturing"
12:10-13:10
Prof Masashige Hamano: Waseda University
Topic: "TBA"
BER Weekly
26 Sep 2025 Free Weekly Review | Number 37 | 26 SeptemberThis report covers the key domestic and international data releases over the past week. The more comprehensive BER Weekly Review (Enhanced Version) includes a detailed discussion on the main economic events and developments over the past week, a summary of upcoming data (the week ahead) and the BER’s forecast for key economic indicators....
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 13 October 202512:10-13:10
Prof Euan Phimister: Stellenbosch Business School
Topic: "TBA"
12:10-13:10
Dr Friedrich Kreuser: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Allocative Efficiency, Labour Shares, and Corporate Lobbying in European Manufacturing"
12:10-13:10
Prof Masashige Hamano: Waseda University
Topic: "TBA"
BER Weekly
26 Sep 2025 Free Weekly Review | Number 37 | 26 SeptemberThis report covers the key domestic and international data releases over the past week. The more comprehensive BER Weekly Review (Enhanced Version) includes a detailed discussion on the main economic events and developments over the past week, a summary of upcoming data (the week ahead) and the BER’s forecast for key economic indicators....
Read the full issue