Keio University Syllabus and Timetable

ECONOMIC THEORY IN PRACTICE

Lecturer(s)FUJIWARA, IPPEI; ARMSTRONG, SHIRO P.; TAKEDA, MASAHIKO
Credit(s)2
Academic Year/Semester2023 Spring
Day/PeriodMon.2
CampusMita
Class FormatFace-to-face classes (conducted mainly in-person)
Registration Number03887
Faculty/Graduate SchoolECONOMICS
Department/MajorECONOMICS PEARL COURSE
Year Level3, 4
FieldMAJOR SUBJECTS ELECTIVE ADVANCED COURSES (PEARL)
Course DescriptionIn the first half of this course, we examine how useful economic theory is in dealing with real-world economic issues. We show that economics has serious weaknesses that limit its practical use. In the second half, we discuss the latest issues in globalization, such as trade wars, and security and economic policy, through the lens of economic theory.
K-Number FEC-EC-35103-212-07
Course AdministratorFaculty/Graduate SchoolFECECONOMICS
Department/MajorECECONOMICS
Main Course NumberLevel3Third-year level coursework
Major Classification5Major Subjects Course- Advanced Course
Minor Classification10Lecture - Economic Theory
Subject Type3Elective subject
Supplemental Course InformationClass Classification2Lecture
Class Format1Face-to-face classes (conducted mainly in-person)
Language of Instruction2English
Academic Discipline07Economics, business administration, and related fields

Course Contents/Objectives/Teaching Method/Intended Learning Outcome

Economics can make two possible contributions to our lives. First, it may help us better understand how the economy works, or how its inhabitants --- or “economic agents” --- behave. This is interesting in and of itself. But second, more importantly from a practical point of view, it may help us find how to influence our economy by means of economic policy, in order to improve its functioning and thereby our economic welfare as well.
This course is aimed at grasping the link between the first and the second by examining some of the examples of “economic theory used in practice”. Students will learn what kind of economic policies are being implemented for what purposes, and the theoretical basis by which such policies may be justified. The examples we examine will show us usefulness of economics, but we will also see its limitations. Knowing the latter is important, because many policies are often advocated without fully disclosing (or even worse, by proponents who cannot, or refuse to, see) their weaknesses or possible side effects.
The first part of this course (Week 1-7) covers a broad range of economics, both macro and micro, to give the students an overview of different economic theories and policies. The second part (Week 8-14) builds on the first part of the course and looks at the theory and practice of international economics, including trade policy, how economies relate to one another and the latest issues in globalization.

Course Plan

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