Economics and Finance

General goals The aim of the course is to illustrate the basic concepts of modern economic theory. In the frontal lessons, the exposition of theoretical issues is integrated with the description of the main features of contemporary economies. The first part of the course examines the consumer choice theory and the theory of the firm in order to clarify the forces that determine prices and quantities in the markets. The analysis is based on the study of both the individual choices and interaction among economic agents under different market regimes (perfect competition, monopoly). The second part deals with the functioning of economic systems seen as a whole. The aim is to provide the tools for the analysis and explanation of the evolution of the main macroeconomic variables (GDP, employment, consumption, investment, public budget, rates of interests). Specific goals More in detail, the course aims at allowing the student: A) to develop adequate basic knowledge and understanding in the field of Economics; B) to apply the knowledge and methods acquired to both the construction of lines of arguments and the analysis of complex problems in the field of economics; C) to develop autonomous views concerning economic issues; D) to properly communicate information, concepts, problems, and associated solutions in the field of Economics, even to a non-specialized audience; E) to acquire the knowledge and the learning methods necessary to pursue the study of economic disciplines in the subsequent academic years.