Prospectus

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Applied Microeconomic Thinking and Analysis

Course
2024-2025

Admission requirements

Required course(s):

  • Principles of Economics or Entrepreneurs and Markets or the instructor's permission.

Recommended course(s):

  • Quantitative Research Methods

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 chose 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

  • Become an analyst who can identify important factors affecting consumer and producer choices.

Timetable

Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2024-2025 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: 10% (continuous weeks 1-7)

  • Study team: 10% (continuous weeks 1-7)

  • Homework: 2 x 10% (weeks 3 and 5)

  • Blog post: 15% (due week 4)

  • Individual presentation: 15% (weeks 4/5/6/7)

  • Group analysis: 30% (due reading week)

Reading list

  • E. F. Schumacher (1973). Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered

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.