Foundational Economics: Principles of Policy and Development

Understanding how national and global economies function is crucial for making informed decisions, whether in public service, business, or personal finance. This course provides a robust foundation in essential economic concepts, enabling you to analyze complex financial and developmental issues and interpret government policies with clarity. What you'll learn: 1. Master fundamental concepts of microeconomics, including supply, demand, market structures, and consumer behavior. 2. Analyze key macroeconomic indicators like GDP, inflation, unemployment, and their impact on national policy planning. 3. Understand the dynamics of economic growth, poverty, and development, including current sustainable development frameworks. 4. Examine the tools of fiscal and monetary policy used by central banks and governments to manage economic stability. 5. Apply economic models to analyze real-world scenarios, such as international trade, public finance, and market failures. We start with basic economic terminology, scarcity, and foundational definitions, progressing through detailed analysis of microeconomic behavior before pivoting to comprehensive macroeconomic theory and policy applications. This course is designed for absolute beginners who need a structured introduction to economics, especially those preparing for careers in public administration or policy analysis. No prior economic knowledge is required. Start building your essential economic literacy today.