Introduction to Economics 2400-L1PPWDE
The lecture shows economics in a broad perspective that prepares for its further, already more detailed, study. It draws attention to the relationship of economics with other disciplines and addresses problems of an interdisciplinary nature. It shows how economics explains contemporary important problems, especially those of broad economic life, both from an individual (behavioral) perspective, as well as from a local, national, international and global perspective. It uses basic economic models to explain the modern world, including phenomena beyond the economic sphere (imperialism of economics). It illustrates the various viewpoints found in economics. It provides a methodological and philosophical basis for the study of economics. It takes into account institutional and behavioral elements and shows how they coexist with neoclassical economics. It helps to relate economic knowledge to contemporary technological, demographic, environmental, climate and political challenges. It relates the presented knowledge to concrete empirical examples, and addresses topics important in the current public debate.
The lecture covers the following topics:
1. What does economics deal with - introduction
2. Methodological basis of economics
3. Micro level: consumer behavior and choice
4. Micro level: markets and organizations
5. Macro level: the state
6. Macro level: international relations and globalization
7. Dilemmas of economics: competition or cooperation, freedom or equality, growth or resilience? Links between individual, organizational, national and global levels.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
A student completing this subject is familiar with basic economic categories, ways how to analyze economic phenomena, and can explain the relationship between economic activity and social and political processes. Classes in this subject are designed to encourage students to further deepen their economic knowledge in more advanced courses. Knowledge of the basics of economics facilitates functioning in the economic, social and political life of the country.
Knowledge:
Upon completion of the lecture, the student:
knows basic economic definitions such as demand, supply, GDP, etc...;
understands how the market system works, how prices affect the level of production and distribution of goods and services, and what the economic role of government is;
knows the basic concepts of economic growth, economic development and international trade;
understands the importance of institutional and social conditions in the economic process
understands the diversity of economics and its relationship to other disciplines.
Skills:
Upon completion of the course, the student:
can apply basic economic analysis to explain the main problems of the Polish and world economies;
is able to analyze major economic problems using basic graphical analysis;
can explain the essence of various economic problems, such as market failure.
Assessment criteria
Passing grade. In order to receive a passing grade, it is necessary to obtain a minimum of 50% of the total points (i.e. points from the written exam plus points for activity). The prerequisite for passing the course is a minimum of 50% of the points from the exam. Detailed rules for awarding points will be presented at the first class.
Bibliography
Main:
M. Bednarski, J. Wilkin (red.): Ekonomia dla prawników i nie tylko, Wydawnictwo Prawnicze LexisNexis, Warszawa, wydanie czwarte (można też wykorzystać wydania wcześniejsze)
In case of problem with access, the optional textbook is:
R. Milewski, E. Kwiatkowski (red.): Podstawy ekonomii, WN PWN, Warszawa, wyd. z 2018 r. (earlier editions can be used; e-book available in the BUW remote resources)
Additional:
M. Gorazda, Ł. Hardt, T. Kwarciński (red.): Metaekonomia. Zagadnienia z filozofii ekonomii, Copernicus Center Press, Kraków, 2016
M. Gorazda, T. Kwarciński: Między dobrobytem a szczęściem. Eseje z filozofii ekonomii, Copernicus Center Press, Kraków, 2020
J. Wilkin, Czy ekonomia może być piękna? Rozważania o przedmiocie i metodzie ekonomii. Ekonomista 2009, 3: 295-313
T. Mayer, Prawda kontra precyzja w ekonomii, PWN, Warszawa 1996, r. 1.,2.,3.
M. Blaug, Metodologia ekonomii, PWN, Warszawa 1995, r. 5.
G. S. Becker, Ekonomiczna teoria zachowań ludzkich, Państwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warszawa 1990
F. A. Hayek, The use of knowledge in society, American Economic Review, (1945), 35 (4): 519-530
A. Noga A., Teorie przedsiębiorstw, PWE, Warszawa 2009
R. H. Coase, The nature of the firm, Economica, 1937, 4 (16): 386-405
O. E. Williamson, The Theory of the Firm as Governance Structure: From Choice to Contract, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2002, 16 (3): 171–195
L. Balcerowicz, Socjalizm, kapitalizm, transformacja, PWN, Warszawa 1997, r. 14.
J. Wilkin, Jaki kapitalizm, jaka Polska? Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa 1995, r. 3.,4.,5.
J. Wilkin (red.), Jakość rządzenia w Polsce. Jak ją badać, poprawiać i monitorować, Scholar, Warszawa 2013
D. Rodrik, Jedna ekonomia, wiele recept: globalizacja, instytucje i wzrost gospodarczy, Wydawnictwo Krytyki Politycznej, Warszawa 2011
M. Iwanicz-Drozdowska, W. Jaworski, Z. Zawadzka Z. (red.), Bankowość. Zagadnienia podstawowe, Poltext, Warszawa 2010
W. M. Orłowski, Świat, który oszalał, czyli poradnik na ciekawe czasy. Biblioteka Gazety Wyborczej, Warszawa 2008
P. Krugman, M. Obsfeld, Ekonomia międzynarodowa. Teoria i polityka. Tom 1, PWN, Warszawa 2007, r. 6
J. Stiglitz, Globalizacja, PWN, Warszawa 2005, r. 1.,2.,3.
A. Kukla-Gryz, International Trade and Air Pollution: A Decomposition Analysis", Ecological Economics, 2009, 68(5):1329-1339
J. Wilkin, Instytucjonalne i kulturowe podstawy gospodarowania : humanistyczna perspektywa ekonomii, Wydawnictwo Naukowe SCHOLAR, Warszawa 2016
E. Dunn, Prywatyzując Polskę. Warszawa, Wydawnictwo Krytyki Politycznej, Warszawa 2008.
Klimatyczne ABC, Lekcja 4, 7, 12 i 13: https://doi.org/10.31338/uw.9788323547303
Additional literature can be provided at the lecture.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: