AECO 13A00 - Introduction to Economic reasoning: principles of Economics

The Economics course in the first year of the University College is an introduction to the main contemporary issues in economics, using both theoretical and empirical tools. Its objective is to introduce students to fundamentals concepts and methods used in economics. The course will allow students to better understand current challenges our societies are confronted with (also in their political and social aspects), like globalization, growth development, inequality, unemployment or climate change.

The Moodle site contains all the material relevant for the course, including slides, readings assignments, and other relevant material. The exercises provided with the assignments will be corrected during the discussion groups sessions. Assignments must be prepared before these sessions. Here is the outline of the course:

Lecture 1: Introduction: What do economists study? What tools do they use?

Lectures 2-3: Long-term economic growth

Lecture 4: Individual decision-making

Lecture 5: Corporate decision-making

Lecture 6: Market equilibrium

Lecture 7: Market failures; externalities

Lecture 8: Macroeconomic cycles I. Fiscal policy

Lecture 9: Macroeconomic cycles II. Monetary policy

Course 10: International economics

Course 11: Inequalities and public economics

Course 12: The Environment

The final exam (3 hours, common to all students) accounts for 1/3 of the final grade; a continuous assessment accounts for the remaining 2/3.