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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Economic Theories by Erasmus University Rotterdam

4.5
stars
335 ratings

About the Course

Wondering why economists have not predicted serious financial crises? Shocked by economic assumptions of human behavior as self-centered and focusing only on what can be measured? Asking yourself if there are no sensible economic alternatives to free markets? Then you are at the right place to learn economics! This is the first online course that teaches economics from a pluralist perspective. Economic pluralism means that a plurality of theoretical and methodological viewpoints is regarded as valuable in itself and is simply the best way in which economics can make progress in understanding the world. This MOOC will illustrate economic pluralism not only in substance but also in form. You will see not only me, a Professor of Economics, but also a pop-up Prof of our business school, who illustrates the actor perspective of firms, government and civil society. And you will meet an online student, based in Greece, who will help you through the tutorial videos in which I will explain key concepts, tools and techniques. I will not limit myself to the dominant theory, as almost every other course does. Instead, I will introduce you to four very different economic theories for the whole set of standard topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. The theories are presented every time from broad and more interdisciplinary to narrow and more mathematical. The four theories that I like to introduce you to are Social Economics, Institutional Economics, Post Keynesian economics and, at the very end of each topic, Neoclassical Economics, for the special case of ideally functioning markets. But not everything is different in this course. Like every economics course, it includes numbers, diagrams, tables, equations, and some calculations. Why would you go through the effort of learning the basics of four theories instead of one? Because it will help you to see why many economists cannot predict crises, whereas others can see signals but are often not being listened to because they do not belong to the dominant school of thought. It will also enable you to see that it is just one theory claiming economic agents to be self-centered and focusing on the measurable only. Other economic theories go well beyond these limitations. And, finally, the pluralist approach will provide you with policy alternatives to neoliberalist policies promoting free markets. The objective of this course is twofold. First, to enable you to understand different economic viewpoints, linked to important traditions in economic thought, and basic economic concepts belonging to these theoretical perspectives. Second, to enable you to do some basic economic calculations that are important in economic life, such as calculating an inflation rate, and in economic policies, such as estimating the rough gains from trade for both trading partners, and in economic arguments, such as in calculating utility maximization with given prices and budgets. Please note that if you do all course elements, total course load is likely to be 4 ECT (approx. 134 hours). I hope you will enjoy the course!...

Top reviews

DP

Oct 17, 2021

This was a fantastic course explaining the 4 major different economic theories. The professors and assistant were great in explaining the information in this course and providing excellent examples.

HB

Jan 24, 2018

Excellent course on Theories on economics which has given un the insight of economics via various theory. Really useful to understand many financial aspects / issues on different prospective

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26 - 50 of 79 Reviews for Introduction to Economic Theories

By BADRI P C 1

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Jul 28, 2021

This Course has let me stretch my views broad towards the growing ideology on Economy in the day 2 ay life. This has let me build up a methodology to overcome an economic reliability situation and understand the outcomes of it. I'm thankful for this course.

By Temenuzhka S

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Jul 19, 2022

Thank you a lot about this course!!!

I am really pleased for the knowledge and interesting way of presenting the material and practical participation.

I am going to offer the course to my close people!

Kind regards,

Temenuzhka Stoyanova Savova-Mancheva

By Zoha A

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Apr 27, 2021

Excellent course on economics.

For me, as an engineer who didn't have any background on the topic very very helpful, comprehensive enough to let me understand the basics of theories, and it was quite challenging. I am really glad that I took it.

By Dhirendra K T

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Feb 20, 2022

The course is very clear in terms of learnings. The tutorials helps in better understanding of the implications of various theories on economies. I am feeling better equipped to do my further studies in PhD.

By Mariana M M

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May 25, 2020

Thank you Irene, Rob and Maria! For someone with a Science/Medical background, this course was constant source of surprises and "aha" moments.

By Pierre D E

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Oct 5, 2020

Learning with Coursera was a great journey and an excellent boost for my career, and I'm looking forward to go deeper with their offers.

By Saras M

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Jun 30, 2022

The curriculum of the course and the methodology of delivery is excellent.

The presenters are also very professional and knowledgeable

By Liliana P G

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Nov 17, 2020

I really enjoy the journey of this course, excellents professors i really get to differentiate the economic theories

By Aastha C

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Oct 12, 2021

This course really helped me in developing great insights for the subject. Thank you Madams and Sir.

By nirotta@hotmail.com

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Jun 18, 2022

excellent course, I have learned in a very efficient way and the subject matter is very interesting

By Ajay K

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Dec 15, 2019

It was a great learning experience . Course materials and tutorials were easy to follow. Thank you

By Yash K S

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May 5, 2020

I enjoyed learning this course!! Thank you professor and also pop-up professor!!

By Bimal D S

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Jul 8, 2022

Very good course and really enjoyed learning it from Professors.

By Kian H Y

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Mar 3, 2024

not easy, is worth taking this course, can learn something.

By Sandesh N

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Mar 8, 2021

Excellent Programme, enough time to go through each week.

By Koduri C

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May 30, 2020

very nicely taught but takes time in peers reviewing

By yashasva S

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May 19, 2020

It was helpful, really nice course for beginners.

By Dr. R

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Aug 12, 2020

Very good course ..... great opportunity to learn

By Nutsi B

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Jan 1, 2021

The course was really interesting and helpful

By NEHA C

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Jan 18, 2020

Good Learning and best peer grading system.

By Gulshan B

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Apr 17, 2020

Very Informative Learning Session.

By Sushil K R

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Feb 11, 2022

I have really enjoyed the course.

By rajiv s

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Jan 24, 2021

Awesome course awesome learning

By Jillian P

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May 6, 2022

Loved it and learned a lot!

By Sumit k

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Sep 27, 2020

This is very helpful for me