AEP-30306 Agricultural and Rural Policy Analysis

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ECH-21806 or AEP-20306

Contents:

This course focuses on agricultural and rural issues and policies within the European Union. Examples of issues studied are low incomes in agriculture, lagging economic development in some regions, EU agricultural trade policy and international trade liberalisation, EU accession of countries in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, food security and food safety. Students will become familiar not only with the objectives, instruments and consequences of policies, but also with how policies are formed in the political process. The lectures discuss economic theories, which are then applied in practical sessions. Welfare theory is adopted as the main conceptual framework for analysing and evaluating alternative policy options. In addition, students acquire a good knowledge of current issues in EU agricultural and rural policy.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course the student is expected to be able:
- reproduce the economic and political descriptions and theories;
- understand the impacts of policies on the various stakeholders;
- apply theories in exercises;
- analyse actual topics in the area of agricultural and rural policy analysis;
- propose optimal policy instruments for specific policy aims;
- assess specific policies.

Activities:

- attending lectures and studying the reader;
- doing exercises;
- discussion of assignments in practical sessions;
- presenting an article that applies theory to a current topic.

Examination:

- tests;
- presentation;
- written exam.

Literature:

Available from the secretary of the Chair Group, the course is supported by a Blackboard site.