Essentials of Economics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the bases of the economic theory and, by means of examples, knowledge of the agricultural sector and agro-industrial system necessary for graduate training and in particular for the economics courses of the following two years.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge of economic language, method and basics; understanding of articles, essays and debate about economic themes (growth, prices, etc.). At the end of the course, students will be able to apply fundamental economic concepts to evaluate economic decisions, understand market dynamics, and analyze economic policies. This will lead to a critical and practical understanding of economic theories in everyday contexts. Students will also learn to communicate the knowledge they have acquired clearly and coherently, using appropriate economic language. Furthermore, they will develop skills to continue their independent study of economics by identifying useful resources and formulating critical questions, thus fostering continuous learning in the field of economics.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Introduction 0.5 CFU
2) Essentials of Microeconomics 3.5 CFU
2a - Markets, Demand and Supply
2b - Demand
2c - Elasticity
2d - Markets in Action
2e - Production function, marginal returns, returns to scale
2f - The Supply Decision: costs, incomes and profits
2g - Market Structures
2h - Market Failures and Government Policy
3) Essentals of Macroeconomics 2 CFU
3a - The National Economy
3b - Unemployment, Inflation and Growth
3c - Money and financial markets.
3d - International Trade. Balance of Payments.
There are no differences in the syllabus or the assessment method between attending and non-attending students.
2) Essentials of Microeconomics 3.5 CFU
2a - Markets, Demand and Supply
2b - Demand
2c - Elasticity
2d - Markets in Action
2e - Production function, marginal returns, returns to scale
2f - The Supply Decision: costs, incomes and profits
2g - Market Structures
2h - Market Failures and Government Policy
3) Essentals of Macroeconomics 2 CFU
3a - The National Economy
3b - Unemployment, Inflation and Growth
3c - Money and financial markets.
3d - International Trade. Balance of Payments.
There are no differences in the syllabus or the assessment method between attending and non-attending students.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and seminars.
The lectures provide a solid foundation on key terms and definitions in economics, facilitating the acquisition of specialized language. Through detailed explanations of concepts and tools (such as graphs and tables), students learn the methods of economic analysis and how to apply analytical tools to real situations. The lectures cover the main economic paradigms, including elements of microeconomics and hints of macroeconomics, thus providing a clear understanding of the principles that govern economic dynamics. By using case studies and practical examples, the lectures help students connect theory and practice, facilitating the understanding of current economic issues such as growth and inflation.
Seminars, on the other hand, encourage the reading and critical analysis of economic articles, promoting the ability to understand and discuss complex content. Students are stimulated to improve their communication and argumentation skills, as well as to strengthen their understanding of the material. Through the discussion of controversial and current topics, they learn to formulate and defend their opinions, honing their critical and communicative abilities.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
The lectures provide a solid foundation on key terms and definitions in economics, facilitating the acquisition of specialized language. Through detailed explanations of concepts and tools (such as graphs and tables), students learn the methods of economic analysis and how to apply analytical tools to real situations. The lectures cover the main economic paradigms, including elements of microeconomics and hints of macroeconomics, thus providing a clear understanding of the principles that govern economic dynamics. By using case studies and practical examples, the lectures help students connect theory and practice, facilitating the understanding of current economic issues such as growth and inflation.
Seminars, on the other hand, encourage the reading and critical analysis of economic articles, promoting the ability to understand and discuss complex content. Students are stimulated to improve their communication and argumentation skills, as well as to strengthen their understanding of the material. Through the discussion of controversial and current topics, they learn to formulate and defend their opinions, honing their critical and communicative abilities.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Sloman J., Garratt D. - Essentials of Economics, Pearson (also available in Kindle edition).
Mankiw N.G., Essentials of economics, Pearson.
Supplementary material and slides of the lessons are available on MyAriel Platform.
Mankiw N.G., Essentials of economics, Pearson.
Supplementary material and slides of the lessons are available on MyAriel Platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and consists of closed questions (20 points) and open questions (3 questions, 10 points). The exam grade is given on a scale of 30 (30/30). The duration is 75 minutes.The closed questions assess the general knowledge and understanding of the economic concepts studied, while the open questions allow for verification of the students' comprehension and elaboration of the concepts. Specifically, the assessment will focus on the clarity of the exposition, the relevance of the content, and the critical ability to elaborate and express written responses.
The use of calculators or other support tools is not required.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability)
The use of calculators or other support tools is not required.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability)
AGR/01 - AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL APPRAISAL - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Mazzocchi Chiara
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Mazzocchi ChiaraProfessor(s)
Reception:
By appointment.
Celoria 2, Engineering building, office tel. 16488