Introduction to Economics I
Code: 106186Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary History, Politics and Economics | FB | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Alessio Ferdinando Federico Romarri
- Email :
- alessio.romarri@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
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Most of the subjects are taught in English. A B2 level of English of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required, although no specific test of English proficiency level is held to access the degree.
No prior knowledge of Economics is assumed. It should be noted, however, that Economics intensely uses numerical, graphical, and algebraic languages, in addition to verbal language, to identify and represent quantitative relationships and dependence and causality between variables.
Objectives
The objective of the course is to provide the basic tools developed so far by economics, especially microeconomics, and that allow us to analyze and understand much of the current social reality, as well as issues of persistent economic organization in all human society.
Some of the questions that arise are: Since when, and why, are there markets and money, and what is their function? Why and when do companies grow or, on the contrary, close? Where do corporate profits come from? What is productivity, and why is it important? What are emissions rights markets and how can they help the planet's sustainability? What issues does Climate Change raise? How can the degree of inequality within a country be measured? What are the causes of inequality and poverty in a society? What are the implications of gender inequalities? Which public interventions improve collective well-being, and which do not? Which interventions decrease inequality and which do not?
Despite the complexity of the questions posed, the aim is that students, at the end of the course, have learned to use the basic tools we currently have to begin to address these issues taking into account history rigorously, and know how to look for information about the facts, how to analyze them and how to distinguish between analysis, assessment and opinion. This effort must allow the well-founded participation of students as part of the citizenry in debates on public policies both locally and globally, as well as facilitate the monitoring of economic matters throughout the degree.
Learning outcomes
- Students must be capable of collecting and interpreting relevant data (usually within their area of study) in order to make statements that reflect social, scientific or ethical relevant issues.
- Students must have and understand knowledge of an area of study built on the basis of general secondary education, and while it relies on some advanced textbooks it also includes some aspects coming from the forefront of its field of study.
- Students must be capable of applying their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and they should have building arguments and problem resolution skills within their area of study.
- Identify the economic aspects that determine demand and supply.
- Differentiate between different market structures and analyze their effects on sales and corporate profits and consumer welfare.
- Identify the constituting elements of technology and costs.
- Describe the determinants of economic growth and the international differences in income per capita.
- Examine the effect of economic policies on macroeconomic variables.
- Recognise the causes of economic crises and their impact on different sectors of activity and national economies.
- Identify the price determiners and exchange quantities in all kinds of markets.
- Recognise the conditions under which public intervention in the economy is necessary.
- Analyse the strategic interactions between participants and the effects of their actions on third-party decisions.
- Apply game theory to the analysis of economic decisions.
- Innovate in the methods and processes of this area of knowledge in response to the needs and wishes of society.
- Demonstrate motivation regarding the quality of the work performed and sensitivity regarding the consequences on the society.
- Work as part of a team and be able to argue own proposals and validate or refuse the arguments of others in a reasonable manner.
- Identify the characteristics of the process of economic development and their causes and consequences.
- Apply descriptive and causal quantitative techniques which allow analysis of the economic and social situation.
Contents
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice classes | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11 |
| Reading and studying of textbook and class material | 40 | 1.6 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 |
| Tutorials | 5 | 0.2 | 1, 2, 3 |
| Master Classe | 40 | 1.6 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18 |
| Problem sets | 35 | 1.4 | 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18 |
Guided activities (classroom): 35% of the ECTS
-Master classes
-Problem-based learning sessions
Supervised activities: 15%
-Tutorials (individual or small group meetings with teachers)
Autonomous activities: 50% of the ECTS
-Reading and study of the texts provided (manuals, notes, readings): 30%
-Completion of conceptual schemes and problems: 20%
15 minutes of class will be reserved for students to complete the end of term survey.
On the use of Artificial Intelligence resources: For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed in out-of-class assessed activities exclusively for support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches, text correction, or translations. The use of AI for data collection, processing, and analysis is explicitly excluded. When instructors design activities involving the use of AI, specific instructions will be provided regarding its use in that particular activity.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 10% | 1 | 0.04 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 |
| Coursework Assignment | 30% | 3 | 0.12 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 15, 17 |
| Midterm Examination | 30% | 3 | 0.12 | 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16 |
| Final Examination | 30% | 3 | 0.12 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 |
There will be four assessment activities designed to complement regular class attendance and continuous engagement with the course material.
Activity 1: Midterm Examination (30%)
An individual midterm exam assessing students’ understanding of the concepts, theories, and analytical tools covered during the first part of the course. The exam may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, problem-solving exercises, and/or brief essay questions.
Activity 2: Coursework Assignment (30%)
Students will be required to complete one of the following activities, as specified by the instructor: a group project or a group video presentation. The instructor will provide a detailed rubric in advance outlining the evaluation criteria.
Activity 3: Final Examination (30%)
An individual final exam assessing students’ comprehension of and ability to apply the concepts and analytical tools covered throughout the course. While the exam will focus primarily on the material covered during the second half of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the entire syllabus, as concepts introduced in the first part of the course may also be required to answer some questions.
Activity 4: Lecture Attendance and Participation (10%)
Students are expected to attend lectures regularly and actively participate in classroom activities. This component will be assessed through short in-class quizzes that may be administered at randomly selected points during the semester.
The final course grade will be calculated as the weighted average of the four assessment activities.
This course does not offer a single assessment option.
Erasmus and exchange students who request to advance an exam must present a document from their home university justifying their request.
When carrying out each assessment activity, the lecturer will inform students, via Moodle, of the procedure and the date for reviewing the grades awarded.
To be eligible for reassessment, students must have completed at least two thirds of the assessment activities and obtained a minimum average grade of 3.5. There is no maximum grade that can be awarded in the reassessment. Assessment activities that the lecturer considers non-recoverable will be excluded from the reassessment process.
Students will receive a “Not assessed” grade if they have submitted 30% or less of the assessment activities.
Bibliography
Main Reference:
Paul Krugman, Robin Wells. Microeconomics.
Additional References:
Project CORE (https://www.core-econ.org/), e-book The Economy: https://www.core-econ.org/the-economy (it can be accessed or downloaded freely)
Mankiw, Gregory, Principles of Economics, 6th ed., 2012.
Samuelson, Paul, Nordhaus, William, Economics. Ed. McGraw-Hill, 19th ed., 2010
Robinson, Joan, Eatwell, John, Introduction to Modern Economics, 2nd ed., 1982.
Ostrom, Elinor. Governing the commons: The evolution of institutions for collective action. Cambridge university press, 1990.
Software
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Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 50 | English | first semester | afternoon |
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 50 | English | first semester | morning-mixed |