Introduction to Economics

Course Code :	1101TEWAEC
Study domain:	Economic Sciences
Academic year:	2019-2020
Semester:	1st semester
Contact hours:	75
Credits:	6
Study load (hours):	168
Contract restrictions:	No contract restriction
Language of instruction:	Dutch
Exam period:	exam in the 1st semester
Lecturer(s)	Jan Bouckaert

1. Prerequisites *

At the start of this course the student should have acquired the following competences:

competences corresponding the final attainment level of secondary school

an active knowledge of

Dutch

general knowledge of the use of a PC and the Internet

specific prerequisites for this course

No knowledge in the field of economy. Limited use of mathematical concepts.

2. Learning outcomes *

Analyst: You have a basic insight into how the economy functions and the behaviour of manufacturers and consumers.
Analyst: You are interested in current economic affairs.
Analyst: You know the correct terminology.
Coordinator: You are acquainted with economic reasoning and methods.
Coordinator: You can apply the basic insights in the tutorials.

3. Course contents *

Following a description of the economic problem and the method of economic science, we deal with microeconomic subjects: the market forces; government intervention in the market; the study of consumer decisions; the description of production processes by means of production and cost functions; the behaviour of the manufacturer in alternative market forms. We also deal with the following macroeconomic subjects: macroeconomic variables; economic growth and macroeconomic balance; unemployment and inflation; monetary and budgetary politics. The last part is specifically dedicated to the international dimension of the economy: international trade, balance of payments, exchange rate, monetary union.

4 International dimension*

5. Teaching method and planned learning activities

Class contact teaching

Lectures

Seminars/Tutorials

Personal work

Exercises

6. Assessment method and criteria

Examination

Written examination without oral presentation

Closed book

Multiple-choice

7. Study material *

7.1 Required reading

De Borger, B., Van Poeck A., Bouckaert J. & D. De Graeve, Algemene Economie, Uitgeverij De Boeck, 2018 (tenth edition). (€54,40)

7.2 Optional reading

The following study material can be studied voluntarily :

8. Contact information *

jan.bouckaert@uantwerpen.be