Fundamentals of Economics

The course is intended to provide students with a series of technical tools, to enable them to truly understand the socioeconomic aspects of the contemporary world. To this end, the course offers a theoretical introduction to the organisation and functioning of modern economic systems. Since problems in this field need to be examined with a critical eye, the focus will be on the methodological need for some simple, but rigorous tools to analyse reality.
More specifically, the course illustrates the basics of micro- and macroeconomics, to enable students to:
- get to know and understand the principles that guide the choices of economic operators in different types of markets, and the economic rules governing the functioning of a national economy;
- apply this knowledge and understanding to solve simple economic problems;
- analyse, assess and comment the main micro- and macroeconomic phenomena with a critically informed approach;
- hone their communication skills, also with regard to the appropriate subject-specific language, thanks to their informed and active participation to class discussions on the economic topics proposed by the lecturer.

Knowledge and understanding: students will have to demonstrate that they know and understand the principles that guide the choices of economic operators in different types of markets, and the economic rules governing the functioning of a national economy.
Applying knowledge and understanding: during lectures, students will be presented with some simple and practical economic problems to be solved collectively in class. This will provide them with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of the topics covered by the course.
Making judgements: the knowledge and understanding acquired by students during the course will enable them to analyse, assess and comment the main micro- and macroeconomic facts, as well as media article and news reports on economic topics, demonstrating a critically informed approach and the ability to make independent judgements.
Communication skills: students will have to hone their communication skills by participating in class discussions on economic issues, adopting an informed approach and an appropriate subject-specific language.
Learning skills: a full command of the contents of this course will help students develop their interdisciplinary learning skills.