Course Description

Those who complete a basic course in logical argumentation will have the skills needed to construct convincing arguments and to judge and evaluate the arguments of others. These are critical skills which enable clear, meaningful, and effective communication. Logic encourages clarity and rationality of thought, which is a valuable tool not only for academic accomplishment, but also for real world applications. In addition to covering how to make logical arguments, this course will cover how to recognize widespread logical fallacies. The difference between inductive and deductive logic will be addressed, which are essential for understanding academic research.

Aims and Objectives

• Communicate effectively, which may include various academic, professional, or civic situations;
• Construct valid/strong arguments;
• Provide a solid basis for the Bachelor thesis writing process.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Identify basic principles of rhetoric and develop an understanding of written texts as arguments generated for particular purposes, audiences, and rhetorical contexts;
• Construct and analyse deductive and inductive type arguments;
• Identify and avoid the use of logical fallacies;
• Effectively refute arguments;
• Develop original arguments for a range of academic purposes.

Annotation

This course will explore the history of economic thought ranging from Plato to the modern day. In the lectures we will examine the most important and influential thinkers of their time, while also including the historical context that influenced the ideas presented. The course will not strictly follow a chronological evolution of the theory, but instead is designed in a way to capture the evolution of economic thought: the arguments, debates, agreements, and disagreements.

Aim

The History of Economic Theories course aims to equip students with the historical knowledge of history’s most influential economic ideas in order to promote argumentative skills, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding behind the evolution of modern economic thought.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the basic theories from the history of economic thought and apply it to modern economic thinking.
• Identify the historical context of the current trends in economic theories.
• Construct and organize arguments in the context of the history of economic thought.
• Be able to analyze and compare different arguments with regards to economic theories.

Course annotation

This course provides an introduction to analysis of economic behavior. The ability to predict market outcomes is indispensable not only for a sound business strategy but also for a meaningful public policy. The main focus of the course is on optimal decision making, understanding determinants of demand and supply, market equilibrium, strategic behavior, and welfare analysis. Introduction to choice under uncertainty and the general equilibrium analysis is also covered.

Aims of the course

The course should teach an analytical approach to the functioning of the market mechanism, economic behavior of market participants, market environment impact on competition, and business strategies. Students should acquire the skills and the ability to apply microeconomic analysis and optimization methods to a large variety of economic problems.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the main theories in microeconomics.
• Analyze and model microeconomic phenomena.
• Evaluate governmental policy as it relates to microeconomics.
• Graphically model microeconomic situations.
• Relate real economic experiences to theory.
• Identify economic situations at the firm and personal level.
• Develop researching skills.