Admission requirements
Required:
Principles of Economics, or
Entrepreneurs and Markets, or
the instructor's permission.
Description
Academic economics does not always explain the complexity of economics in the real world. In this course, we will learn and apply microeconomic ideas to topics that students bring to class as well as those chosen by the instructor. Labor markets, for example, are affected by regulations, education, technologies and trade. Consumer choice and consumption is affected by advertising, substitute and complements, income, trade and competition. In each week (weeks 2-6), we will choose a topic to investigate by applying economic theories. Students will also bring their own topics to analyze and present to the class.
Course Objectives
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of economic ideas in practice
Master S & D figures for analysis, insight and policy recommendations.
Become an analyst who can identify important factors affecting consumer and producer choices.
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2025-2026 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
The course is taught through two-hour seminars. Students will be expected to participate in both large and small group discussions; present and defend their ideas within an academic setting; and take part in group projects. The instructor will facilitate and ensure the efficient running of the discussion, but students are responsible for its quality.
Assessment Method
Class participation: 15% (continuous weeks 1-7)
Study team: 5% (continuous weeks 1-7)
Homework: 3 x 10% (weeks 3/4/ 5)
Blog post: 15% (due week 4)
Individual presentation: 15% (weeks 4/5/6/7)
Group analysis: 20% (due reading week)
Reading list
Roughly 10 academic papers (~200 pages).
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. David Zetland, d.j.zetland@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
This course covers similar topics to microeconomics but it emphasizes application over theory.