The Internet is transforming many aspects of economic life, from the online purchasing and selling of goods and services, to new ways of (peer) producing information goods such as open source software, currencies (e.g. Bitcoin) and user-generated content in online social networks. This course shows how the tools of economics can further our understanding of online behaviour, and also how economics can contribute to the future development of the Internet. The course also demonstrates how data from the Internet are being used to answer important long-standing research questions in economics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:1. Use tools of economics to analyse online economic behaviour (buying, selling and producing).
2. Identify which assumptions, theory and methods used by economists to study the offline world can also be used to study online behaviour (and how they may need to be modified).
3. Understand the sources and use of data for empirical analysis of online economic behaviour, and be able to independently find such data.
4. Analyse challenges of the Digital Age and assess a contribution of economics to the future development of the Internet.
Indicative Assessment
- Online quizzes (20%)
- Written assignment (30%)
- Final exam (50%)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
2 hours of lectures + 1 hour of tutorial + 7 hours private studyRequisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
- Peitz, M. and J. Waldfogel (2012): The Oxford Handbook of the Digital Economy, Oxford University Press.
- Goldfarb, A., Greenstein, S. and C. Tucker (2015): Economic Analysis of the Digital Economy, University of Chicago Press.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4560 | Standard Rate |
| 2023 | $3600 |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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