Tag(s)
[BSc], GED, ID, PSc, Ec
Admission Requirements
None.
For this course, it is not required that students have taken economics classes in high school. As the course covers similar subjects, it serves to some extent as a refresher of high school economics. However, we use a more academic approach. Students who have not followed any economics classes in high school should be able to pass for this course without any problems, but they should bear in mind that our tempo is a bit different, as it is a seven-weeks course.
Description
The track Economics starts with the principles of economics and their significance for economic policy. This course provides a solid base for subsequent courses in the optional track economics. Economics is the social science of satisfying unlimited wants with scarce resources. Principles of Economics refers to the basic methods and concepts economists use when doing economics, hence to economic analysis. In this view the term “economics” refers to the discipline, not to the economy.
We will discuss consumer and producer behavior, markets, business cycles, economic growth, money and the financial system. We will also discuss fiscal and monetary policy and policy issues such as unemployment, inflation, and balance of payments surpluses and deficits.
In this course, the student will gain a thorough acquaintance with the principles of economics. He will understand the economic motives of consumers and producers, the market processes and macroeconomic developments, as well as the interdependencies between economic processes and the main features of public economic policy.
Course Objectives
In this course, the student will gain a thorough acquaintance with the principles of economics. He will understand the economic motives of consumers and producers, the market processes and macro economic developments, as well as the interdependencies between economic processes and the main features of public economic policy.
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
describe the main principles of economics;
understand how the main mechanism in economics work;
identify some (global) economic problems in every day news, to relate them to economic concepts and to discuss these problems based on economic theory.
Mode of Instruction
Each week consists of two seminars:
During the first seminar, the main issues in the required reading will be identified and discussed. Based on an interactive setting, the focus will be on understanding the concepts and theories in micro and macro economics.
In the second seminar, students will apply their knowledge. Each week, the homework consists of preparing study problems. In class, students will discuss their solutions for the problems. Applying the concepts and theories, and explaining this to each other increases the knowledge and understanding of economics. Furthermore, it also provides a good preparation for the final exam.
Assessment
The assessment of this course is based weekly assignments and a final written exam.
Literature
- Stanley L. Brue, Campbell R. McConnell and Sean M. Flynn (2013), Essentials of Economics, 3rd International Student Edition, Boston etc.: McGraw-Hill/Irwin (ISBN 978-1-259-01-06040-3).
Additional information in the workbook to be posted at Blackboard
Lecture material to be posted at Blackboard
Weekly Overview
Week 1: Introduction: scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, markets, circular flow model. Chapters 1-3
Week 2: The Ideal Market: demand, supply, market equilibrium, elasticities, business, costs, pure competition. Chapters 4, 6, 7
Week 3: Market failures and Imperfect Competition: public goods, externalities. monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, antitrust policy Chapters 5, 8, 9
Week 4: National Income and Business Cycles: gross domestic production, unemployment, inflation. Chapters 10-11
Week 5: Macroeconomics: aggregate demand and supply, fiscal policy, debt and deficits. Chapters 12-13
Week 6: Money and monetary policy: money, banking, money demand and supply, interest rates, monetary policy: chapters 14-15
Week 7: International economics: trade, trade policies, exchange rates. Chapters 16-18