wir041 - Introduction to economics (Complete module description)

wir041 - Introduction to economics (Complete module description)

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Module label Introduction to economics
Module code wir041
Credit points 6.0 KP
Workload 180 h
Institute directory Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law (Business Administration and Business Education)
Applicability of the module
  • Bachelor's Programme Business Administration and Law (Bachelor) > Basiscurriculum Wirtschaftswissenschaften
  • Bachelor's Programme Business Informatics (Bachelor) > Akzentsetzungsbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften
  • Bachelor's Programme Business Informatics (Bachelor) > Wahlbereich Informatik, Kultur und Gesellschaft
  • Bachelor's Programme Comparative and European Law (Bachelor) > Module
  • Bachelor's Programme Computing Science (Bachelor) > Wahlbereich Informatik, Kultur und Gesellschaft
  • Bachelor's Programme Economics and Business Administration (Bachelor) > Basismodule
  • Bachelor's Programme Mathematics (Bachelor) > Nebenfachmodule
  • Bachelor's Programme Sustainability Economics (Bachelor) > Grundlagen-/Basiscurriculum
  • Dual-Subject Bachelor's Programme Economics and Business Administration (Bachelor) > Basismodule
  • Master's Programme Business Informatics (Master) > Module der Wirtschafts- und Rechtswissenschaften (Master)
Responsible persons
  • Rahmeier Seyffarth, Anelise (Module counselling)
  • Böhringer, Christoph (module responsibility)
Prerequisites
none
Skills to be acquired in this module

Students: acquire a basic understanding of economics
- know elementary economic terms and theories
- learn to analyze economic problems graphically and/or mathematically
- are able to grasp both micro- and macroeconomic relationships based on theory
- understand basic economic models and are able to apply them to current economic problems
- place current economic and political events and debates in economic contexts
- understand under which conditions market interventions by policy makers are justified from an economic perspective
- are able to assess possible effects of economic policy instruments (for example: taxes, subsidies, minimum and maximum prices, etc.).

Module contents
The course introduces students to economic thinking and gives an elementary overview of the fundamental themes in economics. Key causal relationships will be verbally, analytically and graphically elucidated and underpinned with real-world examples. Main contents: - Introduction to economic thinking; - Explanation of basic concepts of economic theory; - Economic cycle and national product; - Interdependence and trade; - Functioning and efficiency of markets; - Market failures and government activity; - Firms behavior in markets with diverse structures; - Foundations of game theory.
Recommended reading

- Mankiw, N. Gregory & Taylor, Mark P.: Grundzüge der Volkswirtschaftslehre, 7. Aufl., Stuttgart: Schäffer-Poeschel, 2018; 1162 S.

- Samuelson, Paul A. & Nordhaus, William D.: Volkswirtschaftslehre –Das internationale Standardwerk der Makro- und Mikroökonomie, 5. Aufl., München: FinanzBuch Verlag, 2016; 1056 S.

- The CORE Team: The Economy (free, open access text for introductory undergraduate courses; continuous updates), URL: https://www.core-econ.org

- Weimann, Joachim: Wirtschaftspolitik - Allokation und kollektive Entscheidung, 5.Aufl. 2009, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Verlag; 458 S.

- Kurz, Heinz D.: Geschichte des ökonomischen Denkens, München: C.H. Beck, 2017; 128 S.
Links
http://www.vwl.uni-oldenburg.de/
Language of instruction German
Duration (semesters) 1 Semester
Module frequency jährlich
Module capacity unlimited
Reference text
The module consists of lectures and tutorials. The contents of the course will be taught in the lecture. The tutorial sessions are aimed at solving problem sets or exercises to deepen students understanding. Lecture notes and other relevant materials will be uploaded to the learning management system (Stud IP).
Type of course Comment SWS Frequency Workload of compulsory attendance
Lecture 3 42
Tutorial 1 14
Total module attendance time 56 h
Examination Prüfungszeiten Type of examination
Final exam of module
end of semester
written exam; voluntary contributions that improve grades may undertaken as 'portfolio-presentations' during tutorials