00256 - Introductory Economics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has a basic knowledge of the principles, methods and analytical tools of economics. The student also knows the fundamentals of microeconomics (consumer theory, theory of the firm, demand and supply, market structures) and of macroeconomics (production/income/national accouns, inputs markets, money and financial markets). These analytical methods and principles are then applied to the study of some of the most relevant phenomena characterizing East Asian economies, and, specifically, the economy of the People Republic of China

Course contents

INTRODUCTORY ECONOMICS:

A. Microeconomics

1. Basic concepts (ch. 1-3)
2. Competition and efficiency (ch. 4-8)
3. Market failures (ch. 9-14)
4. International trade (ch. 15-16)

B. Macroeconomics

1. Basic concepts and data (ch. 17-20)
2. The economy in the long run (ch. 21-22)
3. International economics (ch. 31-32)

C. Economic miracles in East Asia: The case of the People Republic of China

Detailed versions of the program for the final test will be made available at the end of the classes

Readings/Bibliography

Readings/Bibliography

Robert H. Frank, R.H., Bernanke, B.S., McDowell, M., Thom, R., e Pastine, I., Principi di economia 4/ed, McGraw Hill, 2013 is the textbook for section A and B of the program.

For part C, you may look at the class slides. A good reading is A.R. Kroeber, China's Economy. What everyone needs to know, Oxford University Press, 2016

Teaching methods

Class lectures (in class or online, according to the eveolving COVID 19. situation)

Assessment methods

The test is oral.

Student enrolled in the class in the A.Y. 2020-2021 may choose to take also an intermediate test, to be scheduled.

If you want to refuse the final grade, you must send a written notice, with a copy of a legal i.d, before a day to be specified

Teaching tools

Slides. They will be available on the web site https://virtuale.unibo.it/t

Office hours

See the website of Tito Pietra