ECN100 What is Economics?

ECN100 provides a taste of several central topics in economics aiming to give students a good overview of the field and relevant courses at the School of Economics and Business and NMBU. The focus in the course is on neo-classical economics, but throughout the course we will point out areas where neo-classical economics is being challenged.

You will get a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts and terms in economics such as markets, agents, resources, rationality, equilibria, and models.

In ECN100 you will continue to work with questions raised in ECN180 Global Challenges I: Economics and Sustainability and you will learn how economics can be relevant to reach some of the UN’s 17 sustainability goals.

One of the goals of ECN100 is to build a professional and social affiliation and a safe learning environment. Therefore, learning activities will center around student involvement and group work. The course is evaluated "Pass/Not pass" based on a term paper written together with other students.

Knowledge:

• Have a general overview of the field and knowledge about central topics in economics
• Deep knowledge about at least one of the UN’s sustainability goals
• Insight into important challenges related to this sustainability goal where economics is particularly relevant
• Understand central economic concepts such as markets, actors, resources, rationality, equilibria, and models

Skills:

• Be able to use digital tools to collect information and critically assess different sources.
• Be able to analyze and discuss a complex problem and demonstrate how economics can be relevant to deal with this new question
• Be able to make a written and oral presentation of the analysis

General competence:

• Be able to make a written and oral presentation of the analysis