Academic year: 2021-22
Course: Foundation Course Science
Credits: 3
Period: first semester
Number of hours: 24
Teacher(s): Gianluca Biggi ( gianluca.biggi@ec.unipi.it)
Language of instruction: English
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the general vocabulary and reasoning of economics and management, therefore answering to the main question: What is economics? How it does science? In particular, the course focused on selected topics that are key in the modern study in economics as the approach of economics in explaining economic growth (its causes and consequences), the decisions of economic agents, and the basic functioning of firms and markets work.
Assessment criteria of knowledge
Class participation is part of the overall evaluation. At the end of the course will take place the oral exam where the students must demonstrate their knowledge of the course topics through answers to specific questions and the solution of practical problems.
Skills
The aim of the course is the acquisition by the student of knowledge, useful also for the preparation of further specialized examinations, in relation to a basic scientific discipline whose application aspects give them strategic importance in processes and systems of technical scientific interest.
Assessment criteria of skills
Periodical exercises and class discussions are held periodically on the topics discussed at the theoretical level to ensure the students’ acquisition of the objectives set.
Behaviors
The student will be encouraged to evaluate the implications of what Economics studies and to transfer knowledge acquired in other contexts
Prerequisites
The course does not require any prerequisites.
Syllabus
Unit 1 – The Capitalist Revolution, Unit 2 – Technology, Population and Growth, Unit 3 – The Firm: owners, managers and employees, Unit 4 – The firm and its customers, Unit 5- Technological progress, employment, and living standards in the long run.
Bibliograpy
The Economy: Economics for a changing world, Chapters 1-2, 6-7, 16-17
Assessment methods
Class participation will compose half of the individual evaluation. At the end of the course will take place the oral exam where the students must demonstrate their knowledge of the course topics through answers to specific questions and the solution of practical problems which represent half of the total individual evaluation.