Foundational Economics: Principles and Policy

Understanding how economies function is crucial for making informed decisions, whether in business, finance, or civic life. This course provides a solid foundation in economic theory, giving you the tools to analyze market behavior, interpret policy actions, and understand major global financial news. What you'll learn: * Understand the fundamental principles of scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost that drive all economic activity. * Master the mechanics of microeconomics, including consumer behavior, production costs, and market structures like competition and monopoly. * Analyze the core concepts of macroeconomics: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. * Learn how central banks and governments apply fiscal and monetary policy tools to manage national economic performance. * Apply knowledge of key economic indicators and basic international trade concepts, including exchange rates and the balance of payments. The course begins with essential definitions and the history of economic thought, progressing through detailed explanations of microeconomic principles before tackling comprehensive macroeconomic models and policy analysis. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of economics, finance, or statistics. Start building your economic literacy today.