Prospectus

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Principles of Economics

Course
2017-2018

Tags

GED

Admissions requirements

None.

Description

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

At the end of this course, the student can describe the main principles of economics. He can describe the economic motives of consumers and producers, the market processes and macroeconomic developments, as well as explain the interdependencies between economic processes and the main features of public economic policy. The student can identify some (global) economic problems in every day news, to relate them to economic concepts and to discuss these problems based on economic theory.

Timetable

Once available, timetables will be published here.

Mode of instruction

The course uses a variety of teaching methods: interactive lecturing, student presentations, class debate and online testing.

Assessment

  • Written tests (40%), open questions (Week 4 and 8)

  • Academic Blog Posts (20%), economic analysis of real world event, students write two blogposts according to a schedule designed in week 1.

  • Online participation in response to Academic Blog Posts, (10%), minimum 5 responses required

  • Online (multiple choice) tests (15%), (Week 2 – 7)

  • Class participations (15%), (Week 1 – 7)

Blackboard

There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.

Reading list

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

Registration

This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact

Dr. Joop de Kort, j.f.dekort@law.leidenuniv.nl