A. OBJECTIVE.
The goal of the course is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical tools that explain how the economic system works, both at a macro- and micro-level.
In this sense the objective will be twofold: to outline the behavior of the main economic actors, i.e. households, firms, Government and rest of the world (microeconomics) and to describe the coordination of these behaviors in the general functioning of the economic system (macroeconomics).
B. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Acquire knowledge and tools, both theoretical and practical, that allow students to understand economic theories as well as the goals, tools and limits of policy makers. Such knowledge will be acquired through frontal lectures supported by advanced text books reading, exercises and participation to thematic seminars.
2. APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge and methodology to practical examples in a way to assess the main concerns and opportunities of the modern economic systems. Such skills will be developed mainly through exercises and an active debate in the classroom.
3. MAKING JUDGEMENTS
Ability to identify and explain the rationale behind the main economic relationships. Students will be able to collect and interpret relevant data on the main economic indicators in order to formulate responses and provide reflections on general issues of macro- and microeconomics. This will be obtained through lessons encouraging a reasoned discussion among students.
4. COMMUNICATIONS
Students will acquire the ability to present the issues of the course with adequate language and appropriate analytical skills (formulae, graphics, and explanation of causal links). Such ability will be implemented through exercises. Students will be able to communicate with peers and supervisors about their understanding on basic topics of economics.
5. LEARNING SKILLS
Students must be able to reconstruct autonomously the main notions of economics so that to undertake possible further studies with a high degree of autonomy.