Political Economy

ldroi1007  2021-2022  Louvain-la-Neuve

Political Economy
6.00 credits
60.0 h + 12.0 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Ledent Philippe;
Language
French
Main themes
As suggested above, the course is both conceptual and factual. However, rather than opposing theory to practice, it endeavours to show how theory can be used to improve our understanding of facts and policies. The course is addressed to law students, for whom it constitutes the only instruction in the field. As a consequence, the course is intended to cover as many aspects of economics as possible. In the process, the relationships between law and economics are systematically highlighted. The course is taught as a series of lectures by the tutor for two hours a week each, supplemented by review sessions with teaching assistants.A textbook is used to cover the entire material of the course.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 The course is an introduction to economics. After the course, the student should understand and be able to explain the main principles of economics. The course also introduces students to the economic aspects of the functioning of contemporary societies. The purpose here is to learn about the basic facts, to understand them in the light of the principles, and to be introduced to policy issues.
 
Content
The course is given by the professor and assistants. Sessions with the professor are given if necessary in "comodal" mode, following the guidelines of the faculty. Sessions with the assistants are given, a priori, in class tooms, but with adapted timeline and procedures if necessary. Moreover, videos, podcasts and animated slides are also available on Moodle. In function of the circumstances, these modalities could be adapted. The curse starts by the review of the basic concepts used in economics in order to understand the functionning of a market. What are the drivers for the supply side? What are the drivers for demand? How prices are formed? The course will also give an overview of the different types of markets and internalional relations. Different types of goods, externalities and general equilibrium will also be part of the course. Finally, different macro-economic concepts will be reviewed, as inflation, unemployment and economic growth. In any case, time is devoted to the explanation of the concepts, to examples and to the links between the concepts. 
Teaching methods
In auditorium and/or in comodal mode (first semester, Thuesday and Thursday, 8.30am - 10.30 am) and exercices in classrooms (see your agenda). VIdeos, podcasts and animated slides are also part of the teaching activities
Evaluation methods
3 sessions are organised, as legally permitted. There is a written exam with multiple choice questions and open questions. In function of the Covid situation, the exam could be given virtually through Moodle, following the same principles. In January, bonus points can be earned depending on the participation to short multiple choice test organised befor each exercices session. 
Other information
All the details about the course and the needed material are available on Moodle. Students will also find exam corrections and example of exam questions.
Online resources
All the slides are available on Moodle and at the course-service if needed. Videos, Podcasts and animated slides are also available and are part of the course. A smart textbook is also recommanded (see bibliography)
Bibliography
Un bon ouvrage de référence en économie aidera l'étudiant à la compréhension des concepts. Le cours suit une partie des chapitres de l'ouvrage de Mankiw, G et M. Taylor, Principes d'économie, de Boeck. Tous les détails et d'autres sources sont présents sur Moodle. 
Teaching materials
  • VOir Moodle
Faculty or entity
BUDR


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Law