Last update: Ing. Petr Špecián, Ph.D. (17.01.2024)
The course delves into the core concepts of economics with a focus tailored for the humanities student. It offers a nuanced understanding of how economic theory can be useful for understanding cultural, historical, and societal contexts. Through a blend of lectures and discussions, we'll address questions such as: Where do prices come from and how do they influence people's behavior? How does a market economy work? How is economic growth relevant for understanding the social world around us? This course invites you to explore these questions, providing a foundation in economic principles while maintaining a critical, interdisciplinary perspective. Prior experience in economics is not required – just an open mind and an eagerness to engage with complex, cross-disciplinary issues.
Last update: Ing. Petr Špecián, Ph.D. (17.01.2024)
The course delves into the core concepts of economics with a focus tailored for the humanities student. It offers a nuanced understanding of how economic theory can be useful for understanding cultural, historical, and societal contexts. Through a blend of lectures and discussions, we'll address questions such as: Where do prices come from and how do they influence people's behavior? How does a market economy work? How is economic growth relevant for understanding the social world around us? This course invites you to explore these questions, providing a foundation in economic principles while maintaining a critical, interdisciplinary perspective. Prior experience in economics is not required – just an open mind and an eagerness to engage with complex, cross-disciplinary issues.
Aim of the course
Last update: Ing. Petr Špecián, Ph.D. (17.01.2024)
1. Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles and theories of economics, enabling them to analyze and interpret economic phenomena.
2. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate market dynamics and their impact on society and culture.
3. Students will learn to apply basic economic concepts to real-world issues, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions in both personal and professional contexts.
4. Students will understand the interconnectedness of economics with other disciplines within the humanities, fostering a more holistic understanding of societal issues.
Literature
Last update: Ing. Petr Špecián, Ph.D. (17.01.2024)
Obligatory:
Mankiw, N. Gregory. Principles of economics. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2015, 847 s. ISBN 978-1-285-16587-5.
Recommended:
Harford, Tim. The undercover economist. New York ; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012, 293 s. ISBN 978-0-19-992651-0.
Harford, Tim. The undercover economist strikes back : how to run--or ruin--an economy. London: Little, Brown, 2013, 307 s. ISBN 978-1-4087-0424-0.
Syllabus
Last update: Ing. Petr Špecián, Ph.D. (17.01.2024)
1. Key questions and principles of economics
2. Markets and prices: how does it work?
3. What do people want? Theory of demand
4. Firms and production
5. Economic welfare
6. Taxes and price interventions
7. Markets with limited competition
8. Labor market: how does the economy influence what job can you get?
9. When markets fail: externalities
10. Money: how does it work?
11. Inflation, unemployment, business cycle
12. Economic growth
13. Exam
Course completion requirements
Last update: Ing. Petr Špecián, Ph.D. (17.01.2024)
In order to pass the course, you need to obtain at least 60 points out of a possible 100.
The assessment structure is as follows:
Activity during the class: 20 b
Preparation of background material for the classroom activity: 20 pts
Final test: 60 pts
Attendance is compulsory; three absences are possible during the semester. A fourth absence means an additional written assignment is required; a fifth and subsequent absence means failure in the course. In case of illness (beyond the allowed absences), a sick leave certificate is required.
