Seminar on Current Economic and Financial Issues
Code
2156
Academic unit
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Luís Manuel Moreira Campos e Cunha
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The main purpose of this seminar is for students to be familiar with today s economic issues, both national and international. The student is supposed to make a presentation in one topic. The topic has to be previously approved by the instructor. Any topic relevant for someone in Economics or Finance is eligible. All students are supposed to participate in the open‐floor discussion but some students will be formally picked‐up as discussants. Each student will be graded not only for the content of its presentation but also for its formal way of introducing an issue in class.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
Topics will be chosen by students and approved by the instructor. Examples of possible topics:
1) Oil prices in recent years;
2) Food prices increases;
3) Sub‐prime crisis;
Even topics not strictly economic or financial in nature, but relevant for students background, are admissible. Example: The Lisbon Treaty; The role of education in long‐term growth.
Bibliography
Given the nature of the Seminar there is no bibliography. However, depending on the topic chosen, students are expected to use economic and financial information in newspapers (Financial Times, Herald Tribune, Diário Económico, etc), international institutions reports (Central Banks, IMF, World Bank, etc) and even working papers or research papers.
Teaching method
There are no lectures. In general the presentations are made by students and there is learning by doing. Some presentations may be done by the instructor.
Evaluation method
The Final Exam is mandatory and must cover the entire span of the course. Its weight in the final grade can be between 30 to 70%. The remainder of the evaluation can consist of class participation, midterm exams, in class tests, etc. Overall, written in class assessment (final exam, midterm) must have a weight of at least 50%.
Assessment is done by students by the instructor and by the grader. The specifics will depend on the number of participants.