The course aims to introduce students to contemporary economics theory and economic tools, dealing both with microeconomics and macroeconomics. The first part of the course is devoted to explore the major concepts and tools of microeconomic analysis such as consumer behavior, free market and monopoly, the labor market.

The second section of the course deals with macroeconomics. The starting point is the analysis of the basic ideas and concepts (the national income and its components). Afterwards, classes will be devoted to the study of the classic distinction between the economy in the long run and the economy in the short run, and to the related description of the role of economic policies (fiscal and monetary).

The course will also discuss macroeconomics in open economy and the impact of globalization. Classes will be constituted by frontal lectures (70%) and by application of the major concepts to reality with case studies and exercises (30%).
Case studies will deal with different approaches of inequality in Europe and the US, with the impact of financial crises on the real economy, and with the how globalization is affecting the international political landscape.